Easy One-Pot Pasta Primavera Recipe

Pasta Primavera is a classic Italian dish that combines fresh vegetables with pasta in a light and flavorful sauce. This simple yet delicious recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy a quick meal without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Below you will find all the necessary ingredients along with step-by-step instructions on how to prepare this delightful one-pot dish.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) of your favorite pasta, such as penne or fusilli
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onions; sauté until they become soft and translucent.

Add the sliced zucchini to the mixture in the pot. Continue cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften slightly. Stir occasionally during this process.

Next, add the cherry tomatoes to the pot with the zucchini. Continue stirring frequently as you cook them down, which usually takes around another 5 minutes.

Once all the vegetables are nearly cooked but still have a bit of bite, add in your chosen type of pasta. Pour enough water into the pot so that it covers the pasta by about an inch; bring everything to a boil. Boil until the pasta reaches its al dente state according to package instructions—this typically takes between 8-12 minutes depending on the brand and type.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the finishing touches. Add salt and pepper to taste, along with zest and juice of one lemon for a burst of freshness at the end. Once the pasta is ready, drain it but reserve about half a cup of pasta water.

Add back into your pot containing the vegetables; toss everything together thoroughly so that the pasta absorbs some of this flavorful sauce made from the cooked vegetables. If needed, add more pasta water to reach desired consistency. Stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving for extra color and freshness.

Final Touches:

This dish can be served hot right away as is, or it could also benefit from being refrigerated overnight if you prefer a slightly colder texture when eating. It’s best enjoyed within a couple of days after preparation though to ensure optimal flavor and texture.

To serve, plate the pasta primavera and garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese or any other type of hard cheese for extra richness if desired. Enjoy this refreshing and satisfying meal either on its own as a main course or paired alongside fresh bread for an even more complete experience.

The key to making Pasta Primavera is balancing the right amount of pasta versus vegetables, ensuring that neither dominates over the other but rather complement each other beautifully in both texture and flavor. With these simple steps, you can create a homemade version of this Italian classic at home easily using basic pantry staples and fresh produce found at most grocery stores.