Description
Summer Vegetable Primavera is a colorful and vibrant pasta dish featuring fresh summer vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and corn, all tossed in a light garlic and Parmesan sauce. This easy and healthy vegetarian meal highlights the natural flavors of seasonal produce combined with fresh herbs, making it a perfect dinner option during the warm months.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne, spaghetti, or linguine
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn
- ½ small red onion, sliced
Seasonings and Herbs
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Other
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and yellow squash. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but remain crisp.
- Add garlic and remaining vegetables: Add the minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, corn, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Combine pasta and vegetables: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine the pasta and vegetables evenly.
- Create the sauce: Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, tossing continuously until the sauce lightly coats the pasta, helping everything bind together smoothly.
- Finish with herbs and cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, chopped basil, and parsley. Toss everything again until well mixed and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the Summer Vegetable Primavera warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use any combination of fresh summer vegetables you have on hand to customize this dish to your liking.
- You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans to boost the protein content.
- Avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should be tender yet still slightly crisp to maintain texture and flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta, Dinner, Vegetarian
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
