Primavera
A vibrant vegetable pasta dish bursting with fresh flavors, featuring tender asparagus, zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms in a light garlic and basil sauce. Perfect for a vegetarian dinner or a quick weeknight meal that appeals to all ages and tastes.
Ingredients
- 5 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1/2 lb. asparagus, cut in bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 2 zucchini, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup peas ⓘ
- 1 cup broccoli florets ⓘ
- 1 cup cauliflower florets ⓘ
- 1 onion, sliced in crescents ⓘ
- 6 leaves fresh basil, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 to 10 mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 lb. rigatoni ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, saut garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add vegetables and basil, and saut until almost tender.
- Pour in chicken broth and add sliced mushrooms.
- Bring to a boil, then quickly reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Serve over cooked al dente rigatoni pasta.
- Sprinkle with grated cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also use any seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. If you prefer a creamier dish, stir in some Light Alfredo Sauce just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the primavera over al dente rigatoni and sprinkle with grated cheese for added richness. A fresh garden salad pairs well, or you can serve it alongside Italian Sausage Soup for a heartier meal. For a delightful finish, enjoy with a light dessert like sorbet.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Primavera contains roughly 1932 calories, with 16g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 183g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (187% of the Daily Value), iron (120% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 498mg per serving (22% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetable mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just cook the rigatoni fresh before serving to maintain its texture. Reheat the vegetable mixture gently on the stove before combining with the pasta.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can customize your primavera by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or eggplant. Seasonal vegetables work great; just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables' tenderness.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This primavera is perfect for meal prep. Divide into individual portions after cooking and store in the refrigerator or freeze for later. Just reheat when ready to eat for a quick and nutritious meal.
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).