Print

Fresh Herb Pasta Primavera Recipe with 5 Easy Crisp-Tender Veggies

fresh herb pasta primavera - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick, fresh, and light pasta primavera featuring crisp-tender vegetables and vibrant fresh herbs, perfect for spring and summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or farfalle preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 12 spears), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup snap peas, ends trimmed
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Lemon zest from 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, trim and slice the asparagus into 2-inch pieces. Slice the yellow bell pepper into thin strips. Halve the cherry tomatoes and trim the snap peas.
  3. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add asparagus and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but remain crisp-tender.
  5. Toss in snap peas and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes. The veggies should be bright, slightly tender, but still crunchy.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with veggies. Toss gently to combine.
  7. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and lemon zest. If the mixture feels dry, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until you reach a light sauce consistency.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan if using. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Do not overcook the vegetables; keep them crisp-tender for the best texture. Add fresh herbs off the heat to preserve their vibrant flavor. Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast. Gluten-free pasta can be substituted as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta primavera, fresh herbs, spring vegetables, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, healthy dinner, crisp-tender veggies

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/fresh-herb-pasta-primavera-recipe-with-5-easy-crisp-tender-veggies/