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asparagus lemon pasta
Pratiksh

Spring Primavera Pasta

This primavera pasta is a light, fresh, and colorful dish packed with seasonal vegetables and a simple, flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for spring recipes when you want something satisfying without feeling too heavy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g pasta spaghetti, penne, or fusilli
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 small zucchini sliced
  • 1 carrot thinly sliced
  • ½ red bell pepper sliced
  • ½ yellow bell pepper sliced
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup green peas
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
Optional
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Lemon zest
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

  2. Cook the vegetables

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Add carrots and broccoli, and cook for 3–4 minutes.

  3. Add remaining vegetables

    Add zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and peas. Stir and cook for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.

  4. Combine pasta and vegetables

    Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in a little reserved pasta water and toss everything together.

  5. Finish the dish

    Add parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until well combined.

  6. Garnish and serve

    Turn off heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Add lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the vegetables. I made that mistake once, and the whole dish felt heavy instead of fresh. Keep them slightly crisp.
  • Always reserve pasta water. It fixes dry pasta instantly and helps everything coat better.
  • Mix pasta in the pan, not separately. This small step makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
  • Add lemon zest at the end if you want that fresh, bright finish. It really changes the dish.