Quick and Easy Primavera

Brighten up your weeknight dinners with this Quick and Easy Primavera, a vibrant and wholesome pasta dish that's bursting with fresh vegetables and Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed with sautéed cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers, this recipe is a celebration of colorful, seasonal produce. A touch of garlic, aromatic dried herbs, and a squeeze of zesty lemon juice elevate the dish, while baby spinach adds a healthy twist. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy nights without sacrificing flavor. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for an optional cheesy finish. Whether you're seeking a quick vegetarian dinner or a light yet satisfying meal, this primavera is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped into small pieces
• 1 medium yellow squash, chopped into small pieces
• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

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 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 5

Stir in the baby spinach, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts.

Step 6

Season the vegetable mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

Return the drained pasta to the pot (or a large mixing bowl) and pour the vegetable mixture on top. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to moisten the dish.

Step 8

Stir in the lemon juice for a bright finish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 9

Serve warm, garnished with grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Quick and Easy Primavera!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1227 grams (1227.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2133

Total Fat 69.20g	89%
Saturated Fat 25.90g	130%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 95mg	32%
Sodium 3047mg	132%
Total Carbohydrate 288.30g	105%
Dietary Fiber 23.10g	83%
Total Sugars 19.60g
Protein 96.50g	193%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1457mg	112%
Iron 17mg	92%
Potassium 2702mg	57%

*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: 28.8%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 53.3%