Springtime Pasta
A vibrant springtime pasta dish featuring fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for light meals and vegetable lovers seeking bright, fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. spaghetti or fettucine ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 4 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. broccoli florets ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. asparagus, 1-inch pieces
- 10 oz. frozen peas
- 1 green or red pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup parsley ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, chopped green onions, and finely chopped garlic.
- In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil and cook broccoli florets and asparagus pieces for 4 minutes.
- Drain the vegetables and add to the pasta mixture.
- Add thawed frozen peas, chopped bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley; toss well to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine to the vegetables while sautéing. You can substitute the pasta with whole grain or gluten-free options if preferred. If you're short on time, pre-cut vegetables can save you prep time. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley can enhance the dish, and feel free to adjust the cheese to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Springtime Pasta is perfect as a light main dish or served alongside grilled chicken or fish. Pair it with a crisp green salad for a refreshing meal. It also complements Italian recipes well, making it a versatile dish for gatherings. For a heartier option, serve with crusty bread or garlic knots.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also reheat in the microwave, covering it to keep moisture in.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Springtime Pasta contains roughly 502 calories, with 25g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (209% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 59g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other vegetables in this pasta dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to replace or add any seasonal vegetables you enjoy, such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this Springtime Pasta vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative. You can also increase the amount of vegetables or add plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu for a satisfying meal.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately and mix them with the vinaigrette just before serving to keep everything fresh. This dish is great for meal prep and can be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad.
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).