Vegetarian Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera, a delightful Italian dish, has become popular for its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. This recipe is perfect for vegetarians who enjoy the taste of spring vegetables. The preparation time is approximately 25 minutes, with an additional simmering time of about 10 minutes. You can serve this pasta as a main course for two people or as part of a larger meal.

Begin by gathering your ingredients: fresh zucchini and yellow squash cut into half moons, cherry tomatoes halved, red bell peppers diced, spring onions finely sliced, and green beans trimmed to 2-inch lengths. Additionally, you will need dried pasta like fusilli or penne (1 cup for this recipe), olive oil, garlic cloves, lemon zest, a dash of salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.

Start by boiling the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This ensures that your pasta has a satisfying texture with some resistance in every bite. Once cooked, drain it but reserve one cup of pasta water for later use.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables by slicing them into similar sizes so they cook evenly and maintain their shape. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely sliced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant but not browned. This step helps to enhance the flavors of your dish.

Next, add the diced red bell peppers and stir-fry for about two minutes, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes and spring onions. Cook these ingredients together for another minute or so before adding the zucchini and yellow squash halves. Continue cooking until all vegetables have softened slightly but still retain their firm texture.

Once your vegetables are ready, add the drained pasta back into the skillet along with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, pepper to taste, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly so that every piece of pasta is covered in sauce.

Serve hot directly on plates or bowls. You can garnish each serving with additional fresh herbs like basil leaves for extra freshness if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread, making it an ideal choice for various occasions from casual dinners to family gatherings.

Vegetarian Pasta Primavera offers not only deliciousness but also nutritional benefits. It is rich in vitamins A and C, which come primarily from the bell peppers and tomatoes used; these antioxidants support immune health. Zucchini provides potassium while green beans contribute fiber essential for digestive regularity.

This recipe can be easily customized depending on what vegetables you prefer or have available. Feel free to substitute any ingredient according to personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions such as gluten-free pasta options if needed. For a heartier meal, consider adding some cooked shrimp or chicken towards the end of your stir-frying process.

Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme during sautéing for varied tastes. Also, try experimenting with different types of cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano to give the dish a unique twist based on what ingredients you already have at home.