Fresh, colorful, and bursting with seasonal vegetables, Pasta Primavera is a classic Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for spring and summer, yet delicious any time of year. Tender penne pasta is tossed with sautéed zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, peas, and fresh herbs in a light lemon and Pecorino cheese sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta recipe makes a wholesome weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Loaded with fresh seasonal vegetables
- Light, bright, and full of flavor
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables
- Vegetarian and family-friendly
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into thin half-moons
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thin half-moons
- 1 bunch asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
- ¾ cup grated Pecorino cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup fresh tarragon (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Extra basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic, yellow squash, zucchini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, red onion, sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
- Sauté the vegetables for 3–4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- Add the cooked pasta, thawed peas, grated Pecorino cheese, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Toss everything together until the cheese melts and lightly coats the pasta.
- Stir in the fresh basil and optional tarragon.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Garnish with more fresh basil, extra Pecorino cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become soft after tossing with the vegetables.
- Add the vegetables in stages if using firmer vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
- Save a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Freshly grated Pecorino provides the best flavor and melts more smoothly.
- Swap Pecorino for Parmesan if preferred.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for extra protein.
- Finish with lemon zest for an even brighter flavor.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Use any short pasta such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle.
- Substitute seasonal vegetables based on what’s available.
- Spinach or kale can be stirred in during the final minute of cooking.
- Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor, so use them whenever possible.
- Add toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 470
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 8g
FAQ
What is Pasta Primavera?
Pasta Primavera is a classic pasta dish featuring fresh seasonal vegetables tossed with pasta in a light olive oil, lemon, and cheese sauce.
Can I make Pasta Primavera ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the vegetables and cook the pasta ahead of time, then combine everything just before serving for the freshest texture.
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely. Broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, carrots, and snap peas all work wonderfully.
Is Pasta Primavera healthy?
Yes. It’s packed with colorful vegetables, healthy olive oil, and fresh herbs, making it a balanced and nutritious meal.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Simply replace the Pecorino cheese with your favorite dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended because the vegetables may become soft after thawing.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or vegetable broth to refresh the sauce.
Similar Recipes
Pasta Primavera
Ingredients
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- 1 yellow squash sliced into thin half-moons
- 1 zucchini sliced into thin half-moons
- 1 bunch asparagus chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup frozen peas thawed
- ¾ cup grated Pecorino cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup fresh tarragon optional
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Extra basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic, yellow squash, zucchini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, red onion, sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
- Sauté the vegetables for 3–4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- Add the cooked pasta, thawed peas, grated Pecorino cheese, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Toss everything together until the cheese melts and lightly coats the pasta.
- Stir in the fresh basil and optional tarragon.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Garnish with more fresh basil, extra Pecorino cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Use any short pasta such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle.
- Substitute seasonal vegetables based on what’s available.
- Spinach or kale can be stirred in during the final minute of cooking.
- Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor, so use them whenever possible.
- Add toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
Conclusion
This Pasta Primavera is a simple yet elegant meal that celebrates fresh vegetables and bright flavors. With tender pasta, colorful seasonal produce, fresh herbs, and a light lemon-Pecorino sauce, it’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or entertaining guests. Once you try this fresh and vibrant pasta dish, it’ll become a regular part of your dinner rotation.