Description
Lemony Herb Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and fresh pasta dish featuring crisp-tender seasonal vegetables sautéed with fragrant herbs and garlic, tossed with penne pasta, fresh lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese for a light yet flavorful meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8-10 ounces penne (or other pasta)
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium red onion (sliced)
- 1/3 cup shredded carrots
- 8-10 asparagus spears (cut into 2-3” pieces)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 medium yellow squash (sliced into half-moons)
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red onion and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Add the shredded carrots, asparagus pieces, and sliced red bell pepper; cook for another 2 minutes. Then add the sliced yellow squash and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add Herbs and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Sauté for 30 to 60 seconds just until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the halved grape or cherry tomatoes to gently warm them.
- Combine Pasta and Veggies: Transfer the cooked pasta back to the pot or into a large serving bowl. Add the sautéed vegetables on top. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Toss everything well to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side for topping.
Notes
- Use any seasonal vegetables you prefer or have on hand for variety.
- Adjust lemon juice and olive oil quantities to taste for a brighter or richer flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta if it seems dry.
- For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan with a vegan cheese option or nutritional yeast.
- Ensure not to overcook vegetables; they should remain slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
