Imagine a plate bursting with vibrant roasted vegetables, perfectly al dente pasta, and a hint of garlic that makes your taste buds dance! This Pasta Primavera isn't just a meal—it's a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, bringing the essence of Italian cuisine right to your dining table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash and prepare the vegetables: slice the zucchini into half-moon shapes, dice the bell pepper into roughly 1-inch pieces, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Spread the prepared vegetables on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are tender and have slight caramelization around the edges.
- While vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- In a small skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return pasta to the pot.
- Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, along with the sautéed garlic. Toss gently to combine, using reserved pasta water if needed to help create a light sauce.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves just before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips
- Vegetable Roasting Secret: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook pasta just until al dente—it continues cooking slightly when mixed with hot vegetables.
- Flavor Boost: Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky, light sauce that clings to your pasta.
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest seasonal vegetables for the most vibrant and delicious results.
- Customization Tip: Feel free to swap vegetables based on what's available or in season.
- Herb Enhancement: Tear fresh basil leaves just before serving to maximize their aromatic oils and flavor.
- Optional Upgrade: Add a sprinkle of high-quality Parmesan or nutritional yeast for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 293kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
