Description
Zesty lemon herb pasta primavera brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table, dancing with fresh seasonal vegetables and bright herbal notes. Delicate pasta strands blend perfectly with crisp veggies, creating a light, refreshing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or penne
- 2 cups mixed fresh seasonal vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (basil, parsley)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook pasta until perfectly tender with a slight bite, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat and gently sauté a colorful medley of fresh, chopped vegetables until they become slightly translucent and tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Infuse the vegetable mixture with bright, zesty lemon juice and fragrant, freshly chopped herbs, allowing the flavors to meld together for a brief moment.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked pasta directly into the skillet, tossing and coating each strand with the vibrant vegetable mixture, using reserved pasta water to create a silky, light sauce if needed.
- Elevate the dish with a delicate balance of salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring each bite is expertly seasoned.
- Plate the pasta immediately while piping hot, offering an optional sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of rich, savory complexity.
Notes
- Select seasonal, colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to enhance visual appeal and nutrition.
- Use fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme at the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor and aroma.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish more substantial and satisfying.
- Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary preferences and increase fiber content.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg