Quick & Easy One-Pot Pasta Primavera

Description: Looking for a delicious and quick pasta dish to wow your family or friends? Look no further! Pasta Primavera, an Italian classic, is a vibrant combination of fresh vegetables and al dente pasta in a light tomato sauce. It’s the perfect one-pot meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Serves: 4 servings

Cooking Time: Total preparation and cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

250 grams of pasta (penne or fusilli)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 zucchini, sliced into rounds
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons capers (optional)
½ teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water is heating, prepare your vegetables.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving some cooking water for later use if necessary.
In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft but not browned.
Stir in the sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are just tender-crisp. Season with dried oregano and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Add the drained pasta back into the skillet along with any reserved cooking water from the pasta. Toss everything together gently so that each piece is coated evenly with sauce. If it seems too dry, add a little more water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Finally, fold in fresh parsley for extra freshness and flavor. Serve immediately while hot!

Tips & Variations:

If you want to make this dish heartier, consider adding grilled chicken breasts or shrimp before the final step of combining with the pasta. For a vegetarian version without meat protein, ensure there’s enough vegetable volume in the dish.

One alternative is using whole wheat pasta for a healthier option that adds fiber content and reduces calorie intake compared to traditional white pasta noodles while maintaining similar textures and flavors.

Nutritional Information:

Total Calories: 450 kcal
Fat: 16g (Saturated Fat: 2.7g)
Sodium: 380mg
Potassium: 740mg
Vitamin C: 15% DV

Conclusion:

Pasta Primavera is more than just a simple dish; it's a celebration of fresh produce and simplicity that can easily be adjusted based on dietary preferences or ingredients available in your pantry. Its versatility allows it to cater not only to those who enjoy hearty meals but also fits into lighter dinner options. Whether served as a main course or side, this recipe promises delightful flavors sure to please everyone at the table.

p>Enjoy creating and sharing this meal with loved ones!