Spring Pasta Primavera Veggies (Printable)

Pasta with vibrant spring vegetables and herbs in a light, lemony sauce. Italian-inspired and vegetarian.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or farfalle pasta

→ Fresh Vegetables

02 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
03 - 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
04 - 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
07 - 1 cup fresh or frozen peas

→ Aromatics & Herbs

08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
10 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
12 - Zest of 1 medium lemon
13 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice

→ Sauce & Seasoning

14 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
15 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 - Salt, to taste
17 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
18 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender.
04 - Add cherry tomatoes and peas to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until tomatoes soften.
05 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet with vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
06 - Stir in reserved pasta water, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped basil, parsley, and drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
07 - Remove skillet from heat, fold in Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs as desired.

# Tips from the Pros:

01 -
  • You can swap in nearly any vegetable that’s lurking in your fridge—it's a forgiving way to clean up your crisper.
  • The sauce comes together in moments and sings with fresh herbs, so every forkful feels lively and light.
02 -
  • If you overcook the veggies, they lose their crispness and color—watch closely and taste as you go.
  • Add the lemon zest before the juice so the oils release into the skillet for a brighter, deeper flavor.
03 -
  • Reserve more pasta water than you think you’ll need—it makes adjusting the sauce effortless.
  • Chop the basil just before adding it so the aroma stays fresh and heady.
Go Back