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Fresh Spring Pasta Primavera with Basil

fresh spring pasta primavera with basil - featured image
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A light, wholesome pasta dish featuring fresh basil and crisp spring vegetables, perfect for quick and flavorful meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or farfalle preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup fresh basil, loosely packed and roughly chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Zest from one lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, prepare vegetables: trim asparagus, halve cherry tomatoes, slice zucchini, mince garlic, and roughly chop basil.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add asparagus and zucchini to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender but still crisp.
  5. Add peas and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly and peas are bright green and tender.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in reserved pasta water gradually to create a light sauce and stir gently.
  7. Remove pan from heat. Stir in lemon zest, chopped basil, and half of the grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Plate the pasta immediately. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top and drizzle with olive oil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook vegetables to keep them crisp. Use reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. Add basil off the heat to preserve its fresh flavor. Season gradually and taste often. For vegan option, omit Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta primavera, spring pasta, basil pasta, light pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy pasta dish, healthy pasta

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/fresh-spring-pasta-primavera-with-basil-easy-light-wholesome-recipe/