Ina Garten Pasta Primavera Recipe

This Ina Garten Pasta Primavera is a fresh and colorful recipe, which uses zucchini and bell peppers. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 35 minutes.

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Ina Garten Pasta Primavera Ingredients

• 12 oz penne or farfalle pasta
• 1 small zucchini, sliced into thin half-moons
• 1 yellow squash, sliced into thin half-moons
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned
• 1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup sugar snap peas or green peas
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
• Optional: zest of 1 lemon for brightness

How To Make Ina Garten Pasta Primavera

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and squash. Cook 5–6 minutes until just tender.
3. Add tomatoes and peas: Stir in cherry tomatoes and peas. Cook 2–3 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add pasta to the skillet. Toss with vegetables, butter, pasta water, salt, pepper, and parmesan until a light sauce forms.
5. Finish and serve: Stir in basil or parsley and lemon zest if desired. Serve warm topped with more parmesan.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use other vegetables? Yes, broccoli, asparagus, or mushrooms work well in pasta primavera.
• How to make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half with the parmesan for a creamier sauce.
• Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, prep the vegetables in advance and cook pasta just before serving.
• How to make it vegan: Skip the butter and parmesan, or use dairy-free alternatives.
• Best pasta for primavera: Penne and farfalle hold the sauce and veggies well, but spaghetti also works.

What To Serve With Pasta Primavera

This light pasta pairs well with:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A fresh green salad
• Grilled chicken or shrimp
• A crisp glass of white wine

How To Store Pasta Primavera

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as the vegetables lose texture.

Pasta Primavera Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 8 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I add meat to pasta primavera?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage make great additions.

How do I keep pasta from drying out?
Reserve some pasta water to toss with the sauce—it keeps everything moist and flavorful.

Can I make pasta primavera without tomatoes?
Yes, simply leave them out or replace with extra squash or peas.

Is pasta primavera good cold?
Yes, it works well as a chilled pasta salad when served the next day.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Chicken Pot Pie With Biscuits Recipe
• Ina Garten Roasted Shrimp With Lemon And Garlic Recipe
• Ina Garten Beef Bourguignon Recipe