Pasta Primavera

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pasta Primavera is the perfect dish for anyone who loves fresh, seasonal vegetables. The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, savory mushrooms, crisp zucchini, and sweet corn is complemented by a light olive oil sauce and the richness of Parmesan cheese. The dish is easy to make, quick, and full of vibrant flavors, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or a light, healthy meal. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can swap out or add any vegetables you love!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup onion, diced (about ½ a small onion)
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced (about 6 cloves)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved (about 8 oz)
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup zucchini, quartered
• 1 cup frozen corn, defrosted
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup white wine
• 8 oz pasta (3 cups dried pasta)
• ½ cup fresh basil, sliced thinly
• ¼ cup pasta water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Once the pasta is al dente, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Stir in the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Cook the veggies: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, zucchini, and defrosted corn to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the tomatoes begin to release their juices.
4. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine and stir to combine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine cook off for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
5. Combine pasta and veggies: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta. Toss everything together until well combined.
6. Finish the dish: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss again until the cheese has melted and the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Serve and enjoy: Serve the Pasta Primavera immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
• Total Time: 30 minutes of active preparation time.

Variations

• Add protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling dish.
• Veggies: Swap in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or spinach. This dish is highly customizable based on what’s in season.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
• Vegan: Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this dish vegan.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Pasta Primavera in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any type of pasta works great in this dish. Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti are great alternatives to bow tie pasta.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the pasta is best served fresh, you can prep the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta and combine everything right before serving.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables like peas or green beans instead of fresh. Just make sure they are fully thawed before adding them to the skillet.

4. How do I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped fresh chili when sautéing the garlic and onions.

5. Can I skip the white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with vegetable broth or chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.

6. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried basil if you don’t have fresh. Use about one-third the amount of dried basil as you would fresh.

7. Can I add more cheese to this dish?

Absolutely! If you’re a cheese lover, you can add more Parmesan, or even toss in some mozzarella or goat cheese for added creaminess.

8. Can I make this recipe without the corn?

Yes, you can omit the corn or replace it with other vegetables, such as peas or carrots.

9. How do I make this dish creamier?

For a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half with the pasta water.

10. Can I use a different kind of wine?

Yes, if you don’t have white wine, a dry rosé or even a splash of white balsamic vinegar can add a nice acidity to the dish.

Conclusion

Pasta Primavera is the perfect celebration of fresh, colorful vegetables and simple flavors. With just a few ingredients, you can create a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and customizable to your liking. Whether served as a main or a side dish, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Full of texture, flavor, and nutrition, this dish is a great way to enjoy the bounty of vegetables in your kitchen!

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