Pasta Primavera(Springtime Pasta)
Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and fresh dish featuring sautéed vegetables, tomatoes, and basil tossed with linguine. Its light, flavorful profile makes it perfect for spring and summer gatherings, offering a healthy yet satisfying meal full of colorful produce and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium diced onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped garlic ⓘ
- 3 to 4 cups sliced vegetables (zucchini, squash, red and green pepper, fresh mushrooms, cauliflower or broccoli) ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- linguine ⓘ
- olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped garlic; sauté for about 1 minute.
- Add the sliced vegetables to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, reserved tomato juice, and water. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the diced tomatoes, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Serve the vegetable mixture over cooked pasta. Garnish with olives.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant dish, use a colorful mix of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can be a great substitute. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice. For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken or shrimp. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Tomato Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pasta Primavera warm, garnished with olives for added flavor. This dish can be a delightful main course or a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light salad or some crusty bread. It also goes well with Linguine A La Marinara for a varied pasta night.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta and vegetable mixture in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Primavera(Springtime Pasta) contains roughly 274 calories, with 7g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 892mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Pasta Primavera ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetable sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy and helps maintain the freshness of the vegetables.
What vegetables can I use in Pasta Primavera?
You can use almost any seasonal vegetables, such as asparagus, carrots, green beans, or bell peppers. The key is to choose a variety of colors and textures to keep the dish interesting. This makes it a flexible recipe that can adapt to what's available or in season.
Is Pasta Primavera a vegan recipe?
Yes, Pasta Primavera can easily be made vegan by focusing on the vegetables and using vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. Just ensure that any additional toppings, like cheese or olives, are also vegan if you want to keep it plant-based.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).