Delicious One-Pot Pasta Primavera Recipe

Pasta Primavera, a vibrant dish that combines pasta with spring vegetables, is a delightful way to enjoy the freshness of seasonally available produce. This one-pot recipe offers an easy and tasty option for a midweek meal or even as a side dish at dinner parties. Let's dive into how you can create this colorful pasta primavera right in your kitchen!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 35-45 minutes

Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

1 pound of pasta (penne, fusilli)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup frozen peas
1 small zucchini, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon dried basil or fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Making a one-pot pasta primavera is all about combining the right ingredients in harmony. Begin by boiling salted water with your choice of pasta until al dente, typically around 7-9 minutes depending on the type you use.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Vegetables: While waiting for the pasta to cook, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Slice the zucchini into thin strips and dice the yellow bell pepper. This preparation will ensure that all vegetables are ready at a similar time.

2. Sauté the Ingredients: Heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until they become soft and fragrant – about 4 minutes.

Add the zucchini slices into the pan with onions and garlic, continuing to stir until it begins to soften further – around another 5-7 minutes.
Now, add half of your cherry tomatoes, the bell peppers, and a sprinkle of salt. Cook together for about another minute before adding the remaining tomatoes.

3. Combine Pasta & Vegetables: Drain the cooked pasta, reserving some pasta water if needed to help thicken the sauce later on. Pour the pasta into your skillet or pot with all the vegetables and stir well to combine everything together evenly. Sprinkle in dried basil leaves at this point but feel free to use fresh ones too.

4. Finish with Sauce: Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil over the mixture, followed by frozen peas if using. Stir continuously until heated through – about 2 minutes more. Taste and add additional salt or pepper as necessary. The pasta should be al dente but not dry.

5. Serve & Enjoy: Once everything is cooked to perfection, transfer the delicious pasta primavera into serving bowls. Sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese over each serving for extra flavor if desired and enjoy your meal immediately.

Tips for Best Results

To enhance the dish further, you could add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or chicken broth while mixing in step 4 to make it more creamy.
For added color and nutrition, consider adding other seasonal vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms, or green beans.
If making this for picky eaters, reduce the amount of bell pepper slightly so as not to overwhelm them with too much spice from the capsicum.

Nutritional Information

This recipe provides a balanced meal rich in vitamins and minerals. It is also low in calories per serving when paired properly with other nutritious elements like salad or grilled chicken breast, making it suitable for those watching their weight while still indulging in delicious flavors.

With this easy one-pot pasta primavera recipe, you can bring vibrant colors and delightful tastes to your table effortlessly. Whether preparing a quick dinner or entertaining guests, this dish promises both ease of preparation and satisfaction on the palate.

Conclusion

The key takeaway here is that creating flavorful, nutritious dishes doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By focusing on simple yet tasty ingredients like pasta primavera, you can create a meal loved by all ages in your household.