Rainbow Veggie Pasta Primavera (Printer Version)

Colorful bow-tie pasta with crisp spring vegetables in garlic olive oil sauce. Fresh, healthy, ready in 40 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz bow-tie (farfalle) pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
04 - 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 cup yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
06 - 1 cup broccoli florets
07 - 1 cup carrots, julienned
08 - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
09 - 1/2 cup frozen peas

→ Sauce

10 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
13 - 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
14 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
15 - Zest of 1 lemon
16 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

→ Garnish

17 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
18 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
19 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

# How to Prepare:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow-tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the carrots, broccoli, and asparagus. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften.
04 - Add the red onion, bell pepper, yellow squash, and a pinch of salt. Sauté another 3–4 minutes until all vegetables are just tender but still vibrant.
05 - Stir in the cherry tomatoes and peas. Cook for 2 minutes until just heated through.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
07 - Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
08 - Remove from heat. Toss with Parmesan, fresh basil, and parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs and cheese as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with a variety of colorful vegetables including broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots.
  • Quick to Prepare: Goes from kitchen to table in just 40 minutes.
  • Light yet Satisfying: The garlic-lemon sauce provides a burst of flavor without the heaviness of cream.
  • Vegetarian Friendly: A delicious main course that celebrates plant-based ingredients.
02 -
  • Pasta Water: The starchy water you reserve from the pasta is liquid gold for creating a sauce that isn't dry.
  • Zest First: Always zest your lemon before juicing it for maximum efficiency and flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs: Use fresh basil and parsley rather than dried for the most vibrant spring taste.
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