Penne Pasta Primavera Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and wholesome meal that’s bursting with flavors? Look no further than the Penne Pasta Primavera! This hearty dish combines the goodness of fresh vegetables with perfectly cooked pasta to create a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your soul. In my experience, Penne Pasta Primavera is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress guests. Today, I’m excited to share this amazing recipe with you, so let’s dive in and discover how to make Penne Pasta Primavera!
Key Takeaways:
- Enhance your meal with the vibrant flavors of Penne Pasta Primavera
- Save time with this easy-to-make and delicious recipe
- Experience a burst of fresh flavors and textures in every bite
- Use fresh and quality ingredients for the best results
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Why You’ll Adore This Penne Pasta Primavera
Healthy and Delicious: With a perfect balance of veggies and pasta, this Penne Pasta Primavera is both nutritious and tasty.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily customize this Penne Pasta Primavera with your favorite vegetables and spices.
Satisfying and Filling: A serving of this dish will leave you feeling satisfied and content with every bite.
Essential Ingredients for Penne Pasta Primavera
Penne Pasta: Choose your favorite brand of penne pasta to create the base of this dish. The shape and texture of penne work well with the vegetable medley in Penne Pasta Primavera.
Fresh Vegetables: The key to a flavorful Primavera dish lies in the fresh vegetables you use. Opt for a colorful mix of bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and peas to add a variety of flavors and textures to the dish.
Olive Oil: A quality olive oil will bring richness and depth to the sauce of the Penne Pasta Primavera, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
How to Make Penne Pasta Primavera
Cooking the Pasta
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
Preparing the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped vegetables until they are tender yet still crisp. Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs for added flavor.
Bringing It All Together
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well combined and the sauce has thickened slightly. Serve the Penne Pasta Primavera hot and enjoy!
Ingredients
Penne Pasta Primavera Instructions
Pro Tips for the Best Penne Pasta Primavera
Use Fresh Vegetables: Opt for seasonal vegetables to enhance the flavors of your Penne Pasta Primavera.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to maintain the perfect texture in the final dish.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste and adjust the seasoning of your Penne Pasta Primavera before serving to ensure it suits your preferences.
You Must Know
- Leftover Penne Pasta Primavera can be enjoyed cold as a refreshing pasta salad the next day.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch for your Penne Pasta Primavera.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and herbs to create your own unique version of this dish.
- For a creamy twist, add a dollop of ricotta cheese to your Penne Pasta Primavera before serving.
How to Store Penne Pasta Primavera
To store your Penne Pasta Primavera, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until warmed through, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness.
Customizing Your Penne Pasta Primavera
Feel free to customize your Penne Pasta Primavera by adding protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. You can also swap out the vegetables to suit your taste preferences and create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
What to Serve with Penne Pasta Primavera
Pair your Penne Pasta Primavera with a crisp green salad and a side of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. For drinks, consider serving a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea to complement the flavors of the dish.
Penne Pasta Primavera Recipe
Penne Pasta Primavera is a delicious and healthy meal that's full of fresh veggies, pasta, and a simple lemon parmesan sauce.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 2 cups uncooked Penne Pasta
- 02 Butter
- 03 Olive oil
- 04 1 medium onion (diced)
- 05 1 large carrot (thinly sliced on the bias)
- 06 1 ½ cups broccoli florets
- 07 1 red bell pepper (cut into thin strips)
- 08 1 cup asparagus or zucchini (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 09 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 10 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 11 1 Juice from lemon (about ¼ cup)
- 12 Salt and pepper
- 13 Parmesan Cheese (optional)
- 14 Fresh minced parsley (optional)
Instructions
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta to just before al dente (1 minute less than package instructions). Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook until translucent; 1-2 minutes. Stir in vegetables in the following order, cooking and stirring for 1-2 minutes after each addition: Carrots, broccoli, red bell pepper, asparagus or zucchini, minced garlic. Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet if it starts looking a little dry, usually just before the asparagus. Season vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
To the skillet, add a tablespoon of butter, 3/4 cup chicken broth, ¼ cup lemon juice and ¼ of cup pasta water. Bring to a boil and simmer until slightly reduced; 2-3 minutes. Stir in the pasta and continue to simmer until sauce is reduced by half; 3-4 minutes. Stir in vegetables and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh minced parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Must-Know Tips
Professional Secrets
Frequently Asked Questions About Penne Pasta Primavera
Can I make Penne Pasta Primavera ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Penne Pasta Primavera ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Remember to reheat the dish before serving for the best taste and texture.
How long does Penne Pasta Primavera last in the fridge?
Penne Pasta Primavera can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
What type of herbs can I use in Penne Pasta Primavera?
You can use a variety of herbs such as basil, parsley, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavors of your Penne Pasta Primavera.
Is Penne Pasta Primavera a vegetarian dish?
Yes, Penne Pasta Primavera is a vegetarian dish that celebrates the flavors of seasonal vegetables and pasta.
How can I make Penne Pasta Primavera gluten-free?
To make Penne Pasta Primavera gluten-free, simply use gluten-free penne pasta in the recipe. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free for a delicious and safe meal.
Can I add cheese to my Penne Pasta Primavera?
Absolutely! Freshly grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, or crumbled feta cheese are all excellent choices to add a creamy and savory element to your Penne Pasta Primavera.
What vegetables go well in Penne Pasta Primavera?
A variety of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and peas work wonderfully in Penne Pasta Primavera, adding both flavor and texture to the dish.
Is Penne Pasta Primavera a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, Penne Pasta Primavera is a kid-friendly dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. You can customize the vegetables to suit your kids’ preferences and introduce them to the goodness of fresh produce in a delicious way.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Penne Pasta Primavera is a wonderful dish that celebrates the beauty of fresh vegetables and the comfort of pasta. I encourage you to try this recipe and explore the endless possibilities of customizing it to suit your taste. I hope this dish brings joy to your table and becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation. Bon appétit!
