Garden Pasta Primavera

Bursting with vibrant vegetables and bathed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, Garden Pasta Primavera is a feast for both the eyes and palate. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender penne pasta with a medley of crisp, sautéed veggies like zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, and sweet cherry tomatoes, bringing the flavors of a summer garden to your table year-round. The rich, creamy sauce is elevated with fresh basil and a hint of garlic, while optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. Ready in just 35 minutes, this colorful vegetarian dish is perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive meatless dinner party offering. Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil for a restaurant-worthy finish!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
• 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into half moons
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp.

Step 5

Add the cherry tomatoes and frozen peas to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, gently reducing.

Step 7

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If needed, add reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, to thin out the sauce.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce and vegetables.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1757.2 grams (1757.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3042

Total Fat 154.60g	198%
Saturated Fat 71.10g	356%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 320mg	107%
Sodium 3893mg	169%
Total Carbohydrate 312.50g	114%
Dietary Fiber 34.50g	123%
Total Sugars 30.10g
Protein 98.00g	196%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1126mg	87%
Iron 19mg	107%
Potassium 2833mg	60%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.9%

Protein: 12.9%

Carbs: 41.2%