Description
Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and refreshing plant-based dish featuring tender pasta combined with fresh, colorful garden vegetables. This easy and quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering a light yet satisfying meal that can be tailored to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Base
- 8 oz linguine, fettuccine, or penne pasta (choose gluten-free if desired)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (natural)
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 medium yellow squash, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red, orange, or yellow), chopped
- 1/2 cup peas or snap peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup plant-based Parmesan (plant-based)
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent (optional, for dressings or sauces)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Veggies: Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and an attractive presentation.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta following package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil (natural) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, peas, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables are tender but retain a crisp texture.
- Combine Pasta and Veggies: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with sautéed vegetables. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), lemon juice (natural), and fresh herbs. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and create a glossy coating.
- Finish with Plant-Based Parmesan: Sprinkle plant-based Parmesan (plant-based) over the pasta and gently stir to combine. Optionally, add a touch of natural gelling agent to dressings or sauces for a light texture. Serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
- Use the freshest vegetables available for optimal flavor and crunch.
- Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente for better texture and sauce adherence.
- Reserve some pasta water; it helps create a silky and well-coated sauce.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright aroma and flavor.
- Adjust flavor balance by adding more lemon juice for acidity or cherry tomatoes for sweetness as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Pasta Primavera, plant-based pasta, gluten-free pasta, vegetable pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, healthy pasta, vegan pasta, colorful pasta dish
