Primavara Contadina
A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables, basil, and a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for a light, healthy, and colorful meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. diced onions ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced yellow squash ⓘ
- 1 c. green or yellow bell pepper strips ⓘ
- 1 3/4 c. diced tomatoes, drained
- 2/3 c. Italian style tomato paste
- 3/4 c. warm water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil ⓘ
- 1 (9 oz.) pkg. refrigerated linguini ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil.
- Saute onion and garlic for one minute.
- Add zucchini, yellow squash, and bell pepper.
- Saute for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the reserved tomato juice, tomato paste, water, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and chopped basil.
- Simmer for 1 minute.
- Prepare linguini according to package directions.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked pasta.
- Garnish with olives and basil before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of balsamic vinegar while sautéing the vegetables. If you don't have zucchini or yellow squash, try using eggplant or carrots as substitutes. Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can elevate the dish further. A drizzle of Herbed Olive Oil before serving can enhance the taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light salad like Zero-Calorie Salad Dressing. For an added protein boost, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can also enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to maintain the vegetables' texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Primavara Contadina contains roughly 523 calories, with 4g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1500mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier. Cook the linguini fresh right before serving for the best texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This recipe is inherently vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that your pasta is egg-free. You can also add more vegetables or plant-based proteins like chickpeas for added nutrition.
What can I serve with Primavara Contadina?
This vibrant dish is great on its own, but you can enhance your meal by serving it with a side of Marinated Veggies And Rice or a simple green salad. For an Italian flair, consider a glass of red wine to accompany your dinner.
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).