Delicious One-Pot Pasta Primavera

One-pot pasta dishes are a quick, delicious, and easy way to enjoy your favorite flavors in one meal. Today’s recipe is a fresh and vibrant Pasta Primavera, which translates to "springtime vegetables" in Italian. This dish showcases the best of spring produce combined with tender pasta for an inviting, satisfying meal.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb (450g) linguine or any other preferred pasta type
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, sliced thinly on the diagonal
• 1 bell pepper (your choice of color), cut into strips
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved if large
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until it is al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
2. In a large skillet or pot with deep sides (to accommodate the pasta), heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add sliced zucchini and bell pepper to the pan. Stir occasionally for another 5 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften slightly but still retain some crispness.
4. Pour in the drained pasta along with the reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
5. Stir in butter until melted and combined well with the pasta and vegetables. The butter adds creaminess without using heavy cream.
6. Mix in the cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, and lemon zest if you wish. Adjust seasoning one last time before serving.
7. Garnish each plate with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve hot immediately.

Tips & Variations:

• To make this dish more substantial, consider adding cooked shrimp or chicken to the pasta and vegetables for a protein-packed meal.
• If you're short on time, skip sautéing the garlic; simply crush it slightly with the back of a knife and add it raw right into the pot when cooking the pasta. This method preserves its natural sweetness while adding freshness.
• For an extra burst of flavor, toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or capers towards the end of cooking time.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: Approximately 450 kcal, Protein: About 18g, Carbohydrates: Around 60g, Fiber: ~7g, Fat: ~20g. Please note that these values are estimates and may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.

Conclusion:

This Pasta Primavera recipe is perfect for those days when you're looking forward to a light yet nourishing meal after a busy day at work or school. It’s packed with vegetables, flavorful from the combination of fresh herbs and melted butter, and served hot straight out of your pot. Not only does it taste fantastic but also provides ample nutrition needed by the body.