Perfect Pasta Primavera

Pasta primavera is a classic Italian spring dish that highlights the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of seasonal vegetables. This recipe serves four people and can be prepared in 30 minutes or less.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces linguine pasta
• 1 small zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Steps:

1. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the zucchini and carrot to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they start to soften slightly.
4. Pour in the cherry tomatoes, season with salt to taste, then stir everything together well. Cook for another few minutes until the vegetables are just tender.
5. Mix the cooked pasta into the vegetable mixture. Stir gently so that the pasta coats evenly with the sauce and all the veggies are heated through.
6. Plate the dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves or serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra flavor.

Tips:

• If you want to add more vegetables, feel free to include additional ingredients like bell peppers, artichokes, or asparagus. Just make sure that they are cut into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• For a heartier meal, consider serving the pasta primavera with a simple garlic bread on the side.
• To make this dish even more nutritious, add some whole grains like cooked quinoa or brown rice to the mix.

Nutritional Information:

For one serving of 1/4 of the total dish:

• About 350 calories
• 7 grams of fat
• 60 grams of carbohydrates
• 15 grams of protein

Cooking Time and Servings:

This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare, making it a quick yet delicious meal option. It serves four people.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pasta primavera is more than just a dish; it's an experience that celebrates the beauty of springtime and fresh produce. Whether you're having this for lunch or dinner, enjoy its delightful flavors and textures!