Go Back
+ servings
Parmesan Summer Pasta Primavera

Bright & Creamy Parmesan Summer Pasta Primavera Awaits You

Discover the vibrant flavors of Parmesan Summer Pasta Primavera, a quick and easy vegetarian dish bursting with colorful vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta (e.g., Barilla Penne) can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
For the Vegetables
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil can substitute with vegetable or canola oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) freshly minced is best
  • 1 medium Red Onion (sliced) can use shallots for milder flavor
  • 1.5 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved) grape tomatoes can be substituted
  • 1 cup Zucchini (cut into half-moons) can substitute with yellow squash
  • 1 cup Yellow Squash (cut into half-moons) switch it out for more green veggies
  • 1 cup Asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces) broccoli can be substituted
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper (thinly sliced) can use green bell pepper
  • 1 cup Frozen Sweet Peas can use fresh when in season
  • 1 cup Sweet Corn fresh or canned corn works
For Seasoning and Sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust to taste
  • 2/3 cup Parmesan (freshly grated) can substitute with Pecorino Romano
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Cream can substitute with light cream or dairy-free options
  • 1/4 cup Basil (chiffonade) can use parsley as a substitute
  • 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped) cilantro is a good substitute
  • 1 whole Lemon (zested and juiced) lime can be used for a twist
  • To taste Salt and Pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Skillet
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prep Vegetables: Wash and prepare the fresh vegetables. Mince garlic, slice red onion, halve cherry tomatoes, cut zucchini and yellow squash into half-moons, and trim asparagus. Zest and juice lemon.
  2. Boil Pasta: Bring water to a boil in a large pot, add salt, and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, and bell pepper to the skillet, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Finishing Touches: Add frozen sweet peas and corn in the last minute of cooking. Combine with drained pasta, reserved pasta water, and heavy cream. Toss until creamy.
  6. Add Cheese & Herbs: Remove from heat, fold in Parmesan, basil, and parsley. Drizzle in lemon juice and zest, season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve: Divide into bowls, top with additional Parmesan and lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!