Description
Healthy Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together penne pasta and an array of fresh vegetables including broccoli, bell pepper, tomatoes, and zucchini. This delightful meal is enveloped in a light lemony butter sauce and finished with parmesan cheese, offering a refreshing taste that is perfect for any occasion—be it a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Packed with essential nutrients, this recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports a healthy lifestyle. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, it’s versatile enough to be served on its own or paired with grilled chicken for added protein.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 yellow squash, chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
- 1 crown broccoli, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 6 tbsp salted butter
- 3/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by chopping as indicated.
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; reserve about 3/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion for about five minutes until soft.
- Add the prepared vegetables (zucchini, squash, broccoli, tomatoes, bell pepper) to the pan along with Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper; sauté for about ten minutes until tender yet crisp.
- Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta along with reserved pasta water, butter, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and additional salt and pepper if needed. Mix thoroughly.
- Serve immediately topped with extra parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg