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!
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
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.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
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.
Stir in the baby spinach, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts.
Season the vegetable mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
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.
Stir in the lemon juice for a bright finish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve warm, garnished with grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Quick and Easy Primavera!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
334 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.6 g | 17% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 550 mg | 24% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.2 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.6 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.3 g | ||
| Protein | 15.3 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 268 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 785 mg | 17% | |
*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.
