Springtime Penne
Celebrate the flavors of the season with this vibrant Springtime Penne, a quick and easy pasta dish that's bursting with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe pairs al dente penne with tender asparagus, zucchini, and sweet peas, all lightly coated in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat, while Parmesan cheese and shredded basil create the perfect finishing touch for a rich, aromatic balance. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pan wonder is a light yet satisfying meal that highlights the best of spring's produce. Whether you're looking for a vegetarian dinner option or a crowd-pleasing pasta dish packed with seasonal flair, Springtime Penne is your go-to recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, shredded
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
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 pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the asparagus pieces and zucchini slices to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Stir in the peas, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm the peas through.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine with the vegetables.
Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time to help coat the pasta evenly. Add the lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, stirring everything together.
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded basil over the top.
Serve the Springtime Penne warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2071 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 61.3 g | 79% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.7 g | 103% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 1397 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 302.0 g | 110% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.7 g | 113% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.6 g | ||
| Protein | 96.7 g | 193% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1417 mg | 109% | |
| Iron | 24.3 mg | 135% | |
| Potassium | 2518 mg | 54% | |
*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.
