The Perfect Pasta Primavera

Bright, colorful, and bursting with fresh flavors, The Perfect Pasta Primavera is a celebration of seasonal vegetables and creamy comfort. This easy-to-make classic combines tender al dente penne pasta with a medley of crisp-tender veggies—like zucchini, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes—all enveloped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, it's the ultimate weeknight dinner that's as gorgeous as it is delicious. Expertly seasoned with garlic, fresh basil, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, this pasta dish is a versatile crowd-pleaser. Perfect for vegetarian meals or as a side for hearty mains, Pasta Primavera lets the natural flavors of vibrant produce shine. Whether you're entertaining or treating yourself, it's a true taste of spring and summer on a plate!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring 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

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and asparagus to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for 5–7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then fold in the baby spinach and cook until just wilted.

Step 5

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped basil. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Serve the Pasta Primavera immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1817.6 grams (1817.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2955

Total Fat 154.70g	198%
Saturated Fat 71.00g	355%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 320mg	107%
Sodium 3890mg	169%
Total Carbohydrate 296.90g	108%
Dietary Fiber 29.60g	106%
Total Sugars 27.50g
Protein 89.50g	179%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1115mg	86%
Iron 21mg	118%
Potassium 3199mg	68%

*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: 47.4%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 40.4%