Primavera Vegetables With Linguine
A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian pasta dish featuring fresh spring vegetables, aromatic garlic, and basil, all tossed with tender linguine. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, it highlights the natural sweetness of seasonal produce and can be customized with olives and extra herbs for added flair.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced crookneck squash ⓘ
- 1 c. green or red pepper strips
- 1 3/4 c. diced tomatoes (reserve juice) ⓘ
- 2/3 c. tomato paste ⓘ
- 3/4 c. water ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 (9 oz.) pkg. refrigerated linguine ⓘ
- sliced ripe olives (optional) ⓘ
- chopped fresh basil (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil.
- Saute the chopped onion and minced garlic for 1 minute.
- Add the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and bell pepper, and 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 the vegetables are tender.
- Add the diced tomatoes and dried basil, and simmer for 1 minute.
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions, then drain.
- Combine the cooked linguine with the vegetable mixture and toss to combine.
- Optional: Garnish with sliced ripe olives and chopped fresh basil before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor boost, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. If you're out of linguine, any kind of string pasta will work well. For a heartier dish, you can incorporate protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also add a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the primavera vegetables over linguine with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. This dish pairs beautifully with Homemade Pizza Crust or a side of Marinated Italian Beans for a complete meal. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette makes a refreshing complement.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Primavera Vegetables With Linguine contains roughly 833 calories, with 25g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (121% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 845mg per serving (37% 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 use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen vegetables for fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet. Frozen vegetables may require slightly less cooking time, so adjust accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. For added protein, consider tossing in some cooked lentils or chickpeas. Always check the ingredients in the linguine to ensure it's vegan-friendly, as some brands may include eggs.
What can I do with leftover primavera sauce?
Leftover primavera sauce can be used in various ways. Try it as a topping for baked potatoes, or mix it with cooked grains like quinoa or rice for a quick meal. You can also use it as a base for a hearty soup by adding vegetable broth and more veggies.
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).