Pin Garlic Herb Pasta Primavera is my answer when I want something light yet satisfying with an abundance of fresh seasonal veggies and lively flavor. I return to this dish again and again all spring and summer sometimes switching up the vegetables based on what I have at home or what looks best at the farmers market. The bright garlic herb sauce coats every bite making a simple veggie pasta taste gourmet.
This is my go to meal after long days when I want something wholesome and crave fresh produce. Even my kids ask for seconds especially when I add extra cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients
- Pasta: Look for quality Italian dried pasta like penne or fusilli for best texture and sauce absorption
- Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds creamy texture and mild flavor choose firm medium sized ones with shiny skin
- Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and color pick one that feels heavy with glossy skin
- Cherry tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a burst of tang use ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor
- Broccoli florets: Offers crunch and earthy undertones choose tight deep green heads
- Carrot: Sweet and earthy julienned for tenderness aim for bright orange firm carrots
- Sugar snap peas: Delivers delicate crunch and freshness snap ends off for best texture
- Extra virgin olive oil: Acts as base for sauce go for cold pressed for best aroma
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic infuses dish with depth avoid pre chopped jars
- Fresh parsley: Adds herbal brightness flat leaf is ideal
- Fresh basil: Signature Italian aroma use fresh leaves not dried
- Fresh thyme leaves: Subtle lemony essence fresh stems only
- Red pepper flakes: Optional for gentle heat use sparingly if cooking for kids
- Lemon zest and juice: Brings high notes and brightness use unwaxed lemons for zesting
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning use sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional for umami richness buy real Parmigiano Reggiano and grate before serving
- Additional chopped herbs: Boosts flavor and presentation use whatever you have fresh
Instructions
- Prep the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente gently reserve half cup of pasta water before draining the pasta so you do not dilute the sauce later
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat two tablespoons olive oil in a wide heavy skillet over medium add zucchini slices bell pepper strips julienned carrot broccoli florets and trimmed sugar snap peas stir frequently for five to seven minutes until veggies are just crisp tender avoid overcooking as fresh texture is key add the cherry tomatoes for last two minutes to keep them juicy
- Bloom the Garlic:
- Push sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet pour remaining olive oil into the empty space add minced garlic directly to oil stirring constantly for thirty seconds until it smells fragrant but does not brown as burnt garlic will overpower the dish
- Combine and Sauce:
- Add drained pasta to skillet along with reserved pasta water sprinkle in lemon zest squeeze of lemon juice chopped parsley basil thyme tiny pinch of red pepper flakes sea salt and fresh pepper gently toss everything together and let heat merge flavors for two minutes if pasta seems dry add spoonful of pasta water at a time
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove skillet from heat immediately toss with grated Parmesan and extra fresh herbs for added brightness plate up and serve hot with more cheese or lemon on the side
Pin I am always surprised how much my family enjoys the sugar snap peas in this recipe they add gentle crunch that elevates the pasta my grandmother used to say primavera was the best way to celebrate the end of winter and welcome vibrant spring produce
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge eat within two days for best texture since vegetables soften over time if prepping ahead keep sauce and pasta separate then toss together before reheating add a splash of water if pasta seems dry
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in whatever veggies you enjoy asparagus mushrooms spinach and yellow squash are wonderful options if fresh basil or parsley is hard to find use a little extra thyme for depth whole wheat pasta works equally well for added nutrition
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a simple arugula salad and a crisp glass of white wine or slice good Italian bread to mop up the garlicky sauce for a heartier meal serve with grilled shrimp or chicken right on top for protein
Cultural Context
Primavera means spring in Italian this dish celebrates the tradition of bright vegetables tossed with pasta and fresh herbs pasta primavera itself is a classic Italian American favorite popular since the nineteen seventies for its light flavors and beautiful color
Seasonal Adaptations
Use fresh peas and tender asparagus in early spring for vibrancy Try roasted squash and spinach in fall for a cozy variation During summer use heirloom tomatoes and grilled zucchini for smoky sweetness
Success Stories
Friends have raved that this pasta made them love veggies again one neighbor requests the recipe every time I bring it to a potluck children are drawn to the colors and will eat vegetables they normally refuse it is always a crowd pleaser
Pin Cut veggies evenly so they cook at same speed Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt or lemon if needed Always grate Parmesan right before serving for best flavor and meltability
Recipe Q&A
- → Which pasta shapes work best?
Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti pair well, providing good texture and sauce coverage.
- → Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Try asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, or any seasonal option for variety.
- → How can I make this vegan?
Omit Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese substitute; check all ingredients for animal products.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it keeps well for a couple of days in the fridge. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
- → What can I serve alongside?
Pair with a simple green salad or crusty bread to complement the flavors and add balance.
- → Can I add extra protein?
Grilled chicken or shrimp are excellent additions for a heartier meal, added before serving.
