Ugh, weeknights, am I right? Sometimes the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen after a long day. That’s why I’m obsessed with super-fast, super-delicious recipes, and let me tell you, this **Penne Pasta Primavera – Easy & Healthy Dinner Recipe!** is a total life-saver. Seriously, it’s quick, it’s bursting with fresh veggies, and it tastes AMAZING.
I remember the first time I made pasta primavera. I was in college, broke, and trying to eat something other than ramen. I stumbled upon this recipe, and it was a revelation! I still remember the feeling—the vibrant colors, the fresh taste—and I’ve loved it ever since and now I’m sharing all my tips for the best pasta primavera ever!
Why You’ll Love This Penne Pasta Primavera – Easy & Healthy Dinner Recipe!
Okay, so listen up, because you’re going to fall head over heels for this pasta dish! Here’s why:
- Super Speedy: Seriously, dinner on the table in under 30 minutes? Yes, please! Perfect for those crazy weeknights.
- Veggie Powerhouse: Loads of colorful, good-for-you veggies. You’ll be feeling amazing inside and out.
- Flavor Explosion: Fresh, bright flavors that’ll dance on your tongue. We’re talking deliciousness!
- Totally Customizable: Swap out those veggies, use different pasta shapes – get creative!
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this, I promise!
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a regular in your meal rotation, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients for the Best Penne Pasta Primavera – Easy & Healthy Dinner Recipe!
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff – the ingredients! Don’t you worry, nothing too fancy here. You probably have most of it already! Here’s what you’ll need for this awesome **Penne Pasta Primavera**:
- 1 pound penne pasta (or whatever pasta shape you love!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – extra virgin, please!
- 1 onion, chopped (I like yellow onions the best.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is KEY!)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced. Yep, we’re going for color!
- 1 cup broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced – makes everything so yummy!
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (halving creates more surface areas for flavors to mingle!)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth – adds a little extra moisture and flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works, too!)
- Salt and pepper to taste – season generously!
Easy peasy, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Penne Pasta Primavera – Easy & Healthy Dinner Recipe!
Okay, friends, this is the fun part! Making this **Penne Pasta Primavera** is seriously simple. Follow these steps and you’ll be chowing down in no time. Let’s get cooking!
- First things first: cook your pasta! Follow the package directions for your penne—or whatever shape you chose. Make sure you salt that water generously; it’s your first chance to truly flavor the pasta. Cook it until al dente. Don’t overcook it – mushy pasta is a tragedy!
- While the pasta is cooking, heat up your olive oil in a big pan or skillet. Medium heat is perfect. Careful, it splatters sometimes!
- Toss in your chopped onion and cook until it gets softened and a little translucent. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Now, add your minced garlic, sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and zucchini. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the veggies start to soften but still have a bit of a bite. You don’t want them mushy!
- Stir in those halved cherry tomatoes and the vegetable broth. Let it simmer (gentle bubbles!) for about 3 minutes.
- Season generously with salt and pepper. Seriously, don’t be shy! Taste and adjust.
- Finally, add your cooked, drained pasta to the pan. Sprinkle in that Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that delicious veggie sauce.
- Serve it up immediately and devour!
See? Told ya it was easy!
Tips for Success with Your Penne Pasta Primavera – Easy & Healthy Dinner Recipe!
Want to make your pasta primavera absolutely PERFECT? These are my tried-and-true tips – things I’ve learned from countless batches. Here’s how to seriously level up this already amazing dish!
- Cook Pasta Perfectly: Don’t overcook that pasta! It should have a good bite (that’s “al dente,” fancy talk!). Overcooked pasta gets mushy and doesn’t hold the sauce well.
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Nobody wants sad, soggy veggies. Sauté them until they’re tender-crisp – still slightly firm. This retains the vitamins and makes everything taste fresher.
- Season Generously: Salt and pepper are your friends! Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to add more. It makes a HUGE difference. I tend to add a little pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, too, yum!
Follow these, and you’ll be a pasta primavera pro in no time!
Ingredient Notes & Possible Substitutions for Penne Pasta Primavera
Okay, so let’s chat about the ingredients and how you can make this **Penne Pasta Primavera** recipe fit your tastes. First off, penne is my go-to because the grooves catch all that yummy sauce, but honestly, any pasta shape will work! Rotini, farfalle (bow tie), even spaghetti – it’s all good. Use whole wheat pasta or a gluten-free option if you’re into that, too!
Now, for the veggies. The recipe is a guideline!. Don’t have broccoli? Try asparagus! Zucchini giving you the side-eye? Switch it to yellow squash. Peas, spinach, mushrooms – the possibilities are ENDLESS! The important thing is a mix of colors and textures.
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Penne Pasta Primavera
So, you’ve got this amazing **penne pasta primavera** – now what to serve it *with*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! You want to round out the meal without going crazy, right?
Easy peasy recommendations, here: a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. Some crusty bread for soaking up all the extra sauce? Yes, please! Or, if you want something a little extra, maybe some garlic bread! A fresh, vibrant meal doesn’t need a lot of fuss. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Your Penne Pasta Primavera
Okay, so you made a *big* batch of this amazing **Penne Pasta Primavera**? Awesome! Leftovers are the best, but you want to make sure they taste just as good the next day. Here’s the deal:
Store your pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you have a couple of options: you can microwave it for a minute or two, stirring halfway through. Or, for the best results, add a splash of water, and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, this helps prevent the pasta from drying out. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Penne Pasta Primavera
Okay, so you’ve made your delicious **Penne Pasta Primavera**, and now you probably have a few questions! No worries, I’ve got you. These are the things I get asked most often. Hopefully, these help you out, too!
Can I make this pasta primavera ahead of time?
You can totally prep parts of this **easy & healthy dinner** ahead! Chop your veggies and store them in the fridge a day or two in advance. You can also cook the pasta, but be sure to toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just sauté the veggies, add the pasta, and you’re good to go! Making life easier is always the goal, right?
What vegetables can I use in this pasta primavera?
The beauty of this **Penne Pasta Primavera** is the veggies! Feel free to load it up with whatever you have on hand or what you’re craving! Asparagus, mushrooms, snap peas, spinach, bell peppers… the list goes on and on. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the veggies you choose. Heartier veggies like carrots might need a little extra cooking time. Have fun!
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! This **easy pasta primavera** is a winner with some protein! Grilled chicken or shrimp would be *amazing*. You could also add some chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian option. Just cook the protein separately and add it to the pasta at the end. Delicious and filling!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Penne Pasta Primavera
Okay, so nutrition info! Heads up, these are *estimates*, because things like portion sizes and specific ingredients can vary. But here’s a general idea per serving:
Calories: 350, Fat: 12g, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 50g, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 5g, Sodium: 150mg.
Print
Penne Pasta Primavera
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and healthy pasta dish with fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add onion and cook until softened.
- Add garlic, bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and vegetable broth. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine.
Notes
- Add other vegetables you like.
- Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
