Enchanting Springtime Pasta Toss
Celebrate the vibrant flavors of the season with this Enchanting Springtime Pasta Toss, a light yet satisfyingly wholesome dish that's perfect for warmer days. Featuring tender penne pasta, crisp asparagus, sweet peas, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this recipe is a medley of fresh ingredients that come together in just 35 minutes. A fragrant blend of garlic, lemon zest, and fresh basil adds brightness, while a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese ensures a rich, savory finish. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this one-pan wonder is as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy. Serve it as a main course for a casual family meal or as a delightful side dish at your next spring gathering. Keywords: spring pasta toss, fresh asparagus pasta, quick seasonal recipes, light vegetarian dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 1 lb Asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup Frozen peas
- 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest
- 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
In the last 2 minutes of the pasta's cooking time, add the asparagus to the boiling water. In the last 1 minute, toss in the peas.
Drain the pasta, asparagus, and peas together, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
Add the drained pasta, asparagus, and peas to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Sprinkle in the lemon zest, chopped basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
Gradually add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water if the dish seems dry, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.
Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
Divide the pasta toss into serving dishes and garnish with additional Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors of spring!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2061 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.1 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.8 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3077 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 306.0 g | 111% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 36.8 g | 131% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.6 g | ||
| Protein | 82.4 g | 165% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 768 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 30.3 mg | 168% | |
| Potassium | 2832 mg | 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.
