Pasta primavera recipe

Pasta primavera is a light and refreshing pasta dish that makes a great lunch or dinner option. This dish typically includes lots of fresh vegetables, spices, and herbs. The word primavera means spring in Italian, so this dish is often associated with the freshness of springtime. While there are many different variations of pasta primavera, the common vegetables include tomatoes, zucchini, peas, broccoli, and bell peppers. However, this pasta dish can also be made with other vegetables, such as mushrooms, yellow squash, carrot, and asparagus.

This dish can be served as a main course and topped with Parmesan cheese, or as a side dish. The key to making the best pasta primavera recipe is to cook the vegetables briefly so that they retain their color and flavor. Usually, the vegetables are cooked in a light sauce briefly, and then the cooked pasta is added and tossed. Pasta primavera can also include other ingredients such as chicken or shrimp, sausage, and roasted vegetables.

In this dish, fresh vegetables are used as a base, the fresh veggies are much sweeter and crunchier than using frozen or processed vegetables. Additionally, fresh vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that help promote healthy digestion and boost the immune system. The addition of these vegetables makes for a delicious and healthy pasta dish.

We also created a light sauce for pasta primavera by combining chicken stock, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice to cook in olive oil with the rest of the veggies. These combinations help create, a rich flavorful pasta primavera sauce. However, you can make this dish richer by adding cooking cream to create a creamy primavera sauce. But I made mine without cream and it still turns out juicy, rich, and flavorful. If you are not a fan of cream sauce, you can simply make your pasta primavera with pasta sauce like marinara sauce or tomato sauce.

What is primavera pasta?

What is pasta primavera

The word “primavera,” means springtime in Italian; therefore, pasta primavera is a dish that is traditionally made with fresh vegetables that are grown during the springtime. It can be made with a variety of different vegetables, but the common ingredients include tomatoes, zucchini, peppers onion, garlic, and peas. This is primarily a vegetarian dish, but it can also be made with chicken or shrimp.

This type of pasta became popular in the United States in the 1970s when it was first created in  Le Cirque restaurant by Ed Giobbi during his hunting trip to Nova Scotia. Ed Giobbi brought the recipe to New York City and gave it to his friends Jean Vernges and Sirio Maccioni, who used it in their new restaurant named Le Cirque. Today, there are many different variations of the dish, but all the recipes typically include vegetables and pasta.

Additionally, pasta primavera basically refers to the time of year when the vegetables used in the dish are typically in season. While the dish can be made with any type of pasta, it is traditionally made with penne pasta, it can also be made using other pasta like angel hair, gluten-free pasta, or whole wheat pasta.  Spatc

Related: Chicken with Spaghetti

What you will like about pasta primavera

  • With the variety of flavors, and the simplicity of the dish; there are no hard edges or complicated steps present in this recipe, so it is perfect for those who are looking for a light and easy meal.
  • Another interesting thing about this primavera pasta recipe is that it is easy to make, all you need are some basic ingredients and you’re ready to go.
  • It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables in the fridge.
  • It is hearty and filling, it keeps you full for a longer time.
  • All the ingredients are easy to find and the recipe is simple to follow.
  • You will love the variety of flavors that this dish has to offer, the combination of different ingredients is sure to give your taste buds a boost.
  • Finally, pasta primavera can be made very quickly and is perfect for a quick and easy meal.

Pasta primavera ingredients

Pasta primavera ingredients
Pasta primavera ingredients
  • 300g penne pasta
  • 2tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup squash
  • 1 cup small zucchini
  • 1 medium red onion
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 cup butternut squash, you can use yellow squash
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup of chopped tomatoes ( cheery tomatoes, vine tomatoes, or regular ripe tomatoes can also be used)

For the seasonings

Pasta primavera seasoning
Adding seasonings to the primavera pasta
  • 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning
  • 1 and 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup of chicken stock or vegetable stock
  • 3 tablespoons of roughly chopped basil
  • 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon
  • 1/2 tsp salt

What is in pasta primavera?

Pasta

What is in pasta primavera?
Penne pasta is used for making pasta primavera

In general, penne is the most common type of pasta used for primavera, but there are a variety of other types of pasta to use for pasta primavera which include ziti, gemelli, farfalle (bowtie), fusilli, shells, mostaccioli, and barilla. Just make use of what you have on hand and it will still be a great dish.

Parmesan cheese

What is in pasta primavera? Parmesan cheese in pasta primavera adds a rich cheesy flavor to the pasta dish.
Sprinkle the parmesan cheese in pasta primavera

For a cheesy flavor in this pasta primavera recipe, I used a little bit of parmesan cheese, it adds richness and helps thicken the light sauce. It also has a flavor that is complementary to the other ingredients in the dish. You can add more cheese if you want it to really stand out among other seasonings. However, you can omit the cheese and make a vegan primavera recipe in that case use vegan parmesan in place of regular cheese.

Garlic cloves

Apart from the rich health benefits, garlic adds a delicious flavor and takes the dish to another level. If you are a garlic lover use more of the quantity I used in this recipe.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice gives the pasta dish a pleasant zesty lemony flavor and helps brighten the flavor of the other ingredients.

Butter

Butter is an important ingredient in pasta primavera because it gives the dish a rich and creamy texture. It also helps to make the sauce more flavorful.

Olive oil

I used extra virgin olive oil for this pasta primavera recipe, it adds a lustrous sheen to the dish and also prevents the pasta from sticking, making it less likely to become dry. Other oils like vegetable oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil can also be used but I prefer extra virgin olive oil because it is a healthier option and has a lower calorie content.

Fresh vegetables

What is in pasta primavera? Fresh vegetables in pasta primavera.
Fresh vegetables in Pasta primavera

There is a variety of fresh colorful vegetables out there that can be used to make this pasta primavera recipe. I made use of butternut squash, broccoli florets, zucchini, red onion, tomatoes, and red bell pepper. All of these vegetables create a combination of flavor and add crunch. Plus, they give your pasta primavera a beautiful color and texture resulting in a delicious and nutritious dish that is both visually appealing and palate-pleasing. Other common veggies that can be used include asparagus, mushroom, carrot, peas, corn, eggplant, and winter squash or yellow squash.

Herbs

I used basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme to spice this dish up, they all have different flavors that work well together. Plus the herbs add a refreshing contrast to the sauce and other ingredients. Try incorporating some fresh or dried herbs into this dish and see how they make a difference.

Seasonings

The best recipe for pasta primavera should contain a good amount of seasonings in it while being kept simple. Some of the most common seasonings that I used in pasta primavera include black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and red chili flakes. These spices add depth to the dish and help to create the perfect flavor profile for the pasta. You can add extra seasonings to your pasta dish if you want or simply use Italian seasoning for it if that is what you have.

Chicken stock

Chicken stock provides the needed liquid, it adds a depth of flavor and helps to create a lightly creamy texture in the pasta primavera. Vegetable stock or white wine can also be used in place of chicken stock. I used homemade chicken stock which is richer and much more flavorful. You can use a store-bought version if you don’t have homemade stock handy.

How to make pasta primavera

Start by chopping up all your veggies. For the zucchini, just slice it into rings and then halve the rings, to make half moons. Slice the bell pepper into long strips after removing the seeds. Do so for the red onions and make sure all the veggies are even in shape. This will help them cook at the same time.

Chopping vegetables for pasta primavera recipe
Start by chopping the vegetables

Once you have all these vegetables nicely chopped up, it will be very easy to make this pasta primavera recipe in no time.

Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tsp of salt, and 1tbsp of oil to it. The oil prevents the pasta from sticking or clumping together. Finally, add your penne pasta to it and stir, cover, and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Boiling penne pasta for pasta primavera recipe
Boiling the pasta

While the pasta is boiling, quickly stir-fry the veggies. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a deep pan or pot.

Add the sliced onions to the hot oil and sauté for 2 minutes or until slightly translucent.

Stir fry the onions for the pasta primavera recipe
Stir fry the onions

Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, followed by sliced bell peppers, and broccoli florets. Sauté for 2 minutes until soft.

Pasta primavera recipe

After that, add zucchini, and squash, stir, and cook for 1 minute. Also, add chopped tomatoes or cherry tomatoes to the rest of the veggies and stir to combine.

Saute the vegetables used in cooking the pasta primavera recipe
Saute the vegetables

Season the vegetables with dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, all-purpose seasoning, black pepper, red chili flakes, and salt, and give it a nice stir. Cook this on medium heat for about 1- 2 minutes until the tomatoes are slightly softened.

Season the sauteed vegetables for the pasta primavera recipe
Season the vegetables

At this point the pasta is cooked, you can drain it and add it to the veggies. To give this pasta dish a bright taste, squeeze in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and also add 1/3 cup of vegetable or chicken stock to create a light sauce.

Drain the pasta and bring into the sauteed vegetables and mix to combine
Drain the pasta and bring into the sauteed vegetables

Stir the pasta to incorporate it with the rest of the vegetables. You can finally add about 3 tablespoons of parmesan cheese and roughly torn basil leaves and give the dish a good stir.

Go ahead and taste for salt and pepper, and adjust if necessary. Leave the pasta to cook for a minute on medium heat until it heats up properly.

Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes and your pasta primavera is ready.
Stir to incorporate

Serve this delicious pasta primavera right away. If you like you can garnish with more red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, basil leaves, and a drizzle of lemon juice. Enjoy your meal!!

Where does pasta primavera come from?

Pasta primavera is a popular American dish that originates in New York City in the 1970s. It is made with boiled pasta, fresh vegetables, and herbs simmered in a light creamy sauce.

Ingredients for pasta primavera may vary depending on where it is made, but the most common ones are tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, yellow squash, and onions. The pasta primavera sauce may also vary depending on an individual. However, it is usually made with cream, cheese, fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, it can be made into a light sauce or thick creamy sauce depending on the amount of cheese and cooking cream added This recipe is typically served hot but a few people serve it cold in form of salad. This dish has been around for centuries, and it has become popular in many regions of the world.

What is the difference between primavera and alfredo?

Primavera is made with short pasta such as penne pasta, or any other short pasta like fusilli, barilla, or ziti. Different seasonal vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, zucchini, squash, and mushrooms are often used. Alfredo is a more traditional white sauce pasta dish made with heavy cream, lots of cheeses, with no or fewer vegetables. In addition, alfredo is usually made with fettuccini pasta

Who invented pasta primavera?

Giobbi is said to have created the pasta primavera dish while cooking for his friends Jean Vernges and Sirio during a hunting trip to Nova Scotia in n the early 1970s. The friends later used the dish at their new restaurant called Le Cirque.

It has since become one of the most popular pasta dishes in the world. Some believe that Giobbi invented the dish, while others believe that it was originally created in Italy. Regardless of its origin, pasta primavera is a dish that has become popular all over the world. It is a hearty meal that consists of pasta, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.

Why is it called Primavera?

Primavera is an Italian word that means “first spring.” It’s typically used to describe a dish that is made during the spring season. This dish features fresh vegetables and pasta in a light and colorful sauce.

Is pasta primavera healthy?

Is pasta primavera healthy

There are ways to make this pasta primavera healthy without sacrificing its flavor or texture. You can omit the heavy cream and parmesan cheese which are high-fat ingredients and use substitutions like vegan cheese and plant base cream. You can also use a low-sodium chicken broth or swap it with vegetable broth. Overall, pasta primavera is a nutritious and delicious dish that doesn’t have to be unhealthy to enjoy!

Is pasta primavera vegetarian?

Pasta primavera is a delicious dish that can be made vegetarian depending on the ingredients used. Most versions of pasta primavera are vegetarian, though you can add meat if you want. However, the most important part of the dish is the vegetables. You can use any type of vegetable that you like in this recipe, so there’s no wrong choice. You can try making a delicious and nutritious vegan version of pasta primavera without including cream and parmesan cheese.

Does pasta primavera have meat?

does pasta primavera have meat?

Pasta primavera can be cooked in a variety of ways, it can be made with either chicken or shrimp but it is really up to you. If you are using chicken, make sure to dice it into small pieces so that it cooks quickly and mixes well with the rest of the veggies. If using shrimp, they should be cooked until they turn pink and slightly firm then remove into a dish, so they don’t overcook and turn rubbery.

What vegetables are in pasta primavera?

Healthy vegetables in pasta primavera

There are a lot of vegetables that can be used in pasta primavera, so feel free to experiment. Some popular choices include mushrooms, carrots, onion, corn, eggplants, winter squash or yellow squash, asparagus, and peas. The combinations of different types of vegetables create a more interesting meal at the end.

Can you freeze pasta primavera?

Pasta primavera can be frozen and thawed later, which makes it a great option for meal prepping. To freeze this dish, cook the pasta as directed in the recipe above Once it is cooked, cool it completely and freeze it in portion-size containers depending on the quantity you have made. When ready to eat, defrost the pasta in the fridge overnight or in a large pot of boiling water for about 20 minutes. Reheat it and serve warm.

What to serve with pasta primavera

There are endless possibilities when it comes to what to serve with pasta primavera. Some popular options include garlic bread, sautéed brussels sprouts, roasted spatchcocked chicken, grilled chicken skewers, grilled pork, and mixed fresh berries.

Pasta Primavera Recipe

Pasta primavera is a hearty, rich, and delicious pasta dish that features pasta, colorful vegetables, and parmesan cheese. It's a very versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a colorful and healthy salad. It is perfect for those who want to skip the meat and cheese, and still enjoy a delicious and hearty meal.
This easy pasta primavera recipe is packed with vegetables, herbs, and spices, giving it a flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. And best of all, it's easy to make and perfect for a busy evening. Consider trying pasta primavera if you're looking for a delicious and easy pasta dish. While it can be made with a variety of vegetables, chicken or shrimp can also be a great additive to the dish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Pasta primavera, Vegetable pasta recipe
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 380kcal
Author: Joyce Etim Ibanga
Cost: 10

Equipment

  • 1 Deep stainless steel pan you can use a dutch oven skillet or nonstick pan
  • 1 Wooden spatula
  • 1 Chef Knife

Ingredients

  • 300 g penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter diced into small cubes
  • 1 cup butternut squash you can use yellow squash
  • 1 cup zucchini cut into half moon shape
  • 1 medium red onion finely sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 and ½ cup chopped tomatoes cherry tomatoes, vine tomatoes, or regular ripe tomatoes can be used

For the seasonings

  • 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning
  • 1 and ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper powder
  • 4 cloves of garlic minced
  • ½ tsp red chili flakes
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsp roughly chopped basil
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • cup chicken stock you can use vegetable stock as a replacement for chicken stock if you are making vegetarian pasta primavera
  • ½ tsp kosher salt

Instructions

Prepare the veggies

  • Start by chopping up all your veggies. For the zucchini, cut it into circles and then half the circles, to make half moons.
  • Also, slice the bell pepper into long strips after removing the seeds. Slice the red onion too just to make sure all the veggies are even in shape. This will help them cook at the same time.
  • You can also chop or slice all the other veggies into even shapes and keep them aside. Once you have all these vegetables chopped up and kept in place, it will be very easy to make this pasta primavera recipe in no time.

Cook the pasta

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add 1 tsp of salt and 1tbsp of olive oil to it. The oil prevents the pasta from sticking or clumping together.
  • Add your penne pasta to the salted water. Stir, cover, and cook according to package instructions or until al dente.

Cook the vegetables

  • While the pasta is boiling, quickly stir fry the veggies. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a deep pan.
  • Add sliced onions to the hot oil and sauté for 2 minutes or until slightly translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 3 seconds, follow with sliced bell peppers, and broccoli florets and sauté for 1 minute or until soft.
  • After that, add zucchini, and squash, stir, and cook for 2 minutes. Finally, add cheery tomatoes or chopped tomatoes to the rest of the veggies.
  • Season the vegetables with dried, dried thyme, paprika, all-purpose seasoning, black pepper, red chili flakes, and salt, and give it a nice stir. Cook this on medium heat for 2 until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
  • At this point, the pasta should have been cooked. Drain it and add to the veggies. To give this pasta dish a bright taste, squeeze in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and also add ⅓ cup of vegetable or chicken broth.
  • Stir the pasta to incorporate it with the rest of the vegetables. You can finally add about ¼ cup of parmesam cheese and roughly torn basil leaves and give the dish a good stir.
  • Taste for salt and pepper, and adjust if necessary. Leave the pasta to cook for a minute on medium heat until it heats up properly.
  • Garnish with more fresh basil, grated parmesan, and chili flakes.
  • It is ready, you can serve your pasta primavera with grilled chicken, roasted beef, or pork.

Video

Notes

How to store pasta primavera

The best way to store pasta primavera is to simply scoop the leftover into freezer-safe containers with fitting lids and freeze them for about 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat it on low heat until it warms up. You can also place the pasta primavera in a container and refrigerate it, this can stay safe in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.

Make ahead of time

This simple pasta dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge and enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Plus, it can be made in under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Simply follow the steps in the recipe and then cool the cooked pasta on the counter for a couple of hours before scooping it into an airtight container. Place the containers in the fridge or freezer until when needed. Just be sure to reheat it before serving. 

Recipe variations

Pasta primavera with other types of vegetables

There are a lot of vegetables that can be used for this recipe, so feel free to experiment with the different types around you. Some popular choices include mushrooms, carrots, peas, green beans, sweet corn, eggplants, winter squash or yellow squash, asparagus, and peas. The combinations of different types of vegetables create a more interesting meal for everyone to enjoy.

Pasta primavera with chicken

this pasta recipe can be cooked in a variety of ways; it can be made with chicken and you have a delicious chicken primavera. If you are using chicken, make sure to dice it into small pieces so that it cooks quickly and mixes well with the rest of the veggies.

Pasta primavera with shrimp

You can have the shrimp version which is also very interesting. This is another delicious combo that I enjoy making. If using shrimp, they should be cooked until they turn pink and slightly firm then remove into a dish, so they don’t overcook and turn rubbery. You can continue cooking the other veggies and add the shrimp back towards the end. 

Other kinds of pasta

There are many different kinds of short pasta that can be used for this dish but the most common is penne pasta. Other popular options include ziti, gemelli, farfalle (bowtie), fusilli, shells, mostaccioli, and barilla. Whatever type of pasta you choose to use, make sure not to overcook it, it will turn too soggy and less appealing.

Vegan pasta primavera

If you are vegan or vegetarian, you can make your pasta primavera vegan by simply switching parmesan cheese with vegan cheese and chicken stock for vegetable stock or by using pasta water to create the sauce.
You can easily make this dish with healthy ingredients like tofu, but vegetables can be anything you want. Just be creative and make something yummy out of this easy pasta recipe that everyone will love and appreciate.

Using different sauces for pasta primavera

There are two ways to make pasta primavera sauce, the sauce acts as a base for this pasta recipe. I simply combined lemon juice, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, seasonings, and fresh basil with the rest of the veggies and cook in olive oil. The pasta was added towards the end and tossed until well combined.
Another way of making this recipe is to cook the sauce separately and then toss it with the vegetables and the pasta. Whichever way you choose to make this dish, it will still turn out delicious and rich. However, if you like a really creamy pasta primavera, try adding cooking cream or heavy cream to it. You also can add about 1/2 to 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese for a more intense flavor.
Alternatively, there is another variation of this dish which is made with a red sauce. This version is quite easy to make if you have your red pasta sauce or tomato sauce handy; the other things you will need will be vegetables and parmesan cheese to make it a completely delicious meal.

Other variations 

  • Pasta primavera with roasted vegetables
  • Sausage primavera pasta
  • Primavera pasta salad
  • Pasta primavera with cream sauce
  •  
  • Pasta primavera with pesto sauce

Pasta primavera is a dish that features pasta, vegetables, and cheese. What you will like about this dish is that it is hearty and filling. It also has lots of different flavors, so you can customize it to your own taste. The best part is that it is easy to make, so you can enjoy it any time of the day.

If you’re looking for a hearty pasta dish that can be switched up easily, consider this easy recipe for pasta primavera. This recipe is perfect for those who want something that is both visually and flavor-wise appealing. While you can use chicken or sauteed shrimp in this dish, it’s also delicious with different types of seafood. Try using other meat like sauteed steak, tofu, calamari, clams, mussels, or even lobster. 

If you have made this primavera recipe successfully and enjoyed it, please make sure to share the feedback with us in the comments.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating