Pesto lovers unite! Are you craving a nutritious pasta dish that celebrates all the gorgeous colors of seasonal vegetables? Look no further! Our Healthy Pasta Primavera with Pesto is a mouthwatering combination of al dente pasta, a flavorful sauce, and an abundance of fresh veggies that will please everyone at your dinner table. Whether you're an experienced home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this great recipe is a must-try!
Traditional Pasta Primavera is an Italian-inspired dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring and summer months with its array of colorful vegetables. Served with penne pasta and a cream sauce, this dish has become a favorite among veggie lovers. It gained popularity in New York City in the 1970s, and today, it remains a classic on restaurant menus and family dinner tables.
Our version of pasta primavera provides a new twist to this dish, combining it with fresh basil, olive oil, and other delicious ingredients found in flavorful pesto sauce.
Why we love this recipe:
- It's easy - An ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- It's tasty - The flavorful pesto complements the tender pasta and crisp vegetables, creating a satisfying meal.
- It's seasonal - This recipe celebrates the vibrant colors and flavors of spring and summer.
- It's healthy - A healthy meal option that doesn't compromise on taste, perfect for health-conscious individuals and families.
If you like this recipe, you may also love our other Italian dishes. Try this quick and easy Casarecce Pasta with Pesto or our Bucatini Alla Carbonara with Prosciutto and Peas.
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INGREDIENTS
- Pasta - You can choose your favorite type of pasta for this Healthy Pasta Primavera recipe. Trottole pasta works exceptionally well due to its unique shape that holds the sauce and veggies perfectly.
- Broccolini - A delightful hybrid of broccoli and Chinese kale, broccolini offers tender stems and small florets, bringing a subtle sweetness and crunch to the dish.
- Zucchini - Summer zucchini adds a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a tender texture that complements the other vegetables.
- Yellow Squash - Similar to zucchini in taste and texture, summer squash brings a sunny color to the plate, adding to the dish's visual appeal.
- Cherry Tomatoes - Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor and a pop of color to the pasta primavera.
- Spring Peas - These tender and sweet peas are a true taste of spring, enhancing the dish's overall freshness.
- Radish - With its peppery flavor and crisp texture, radish provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce and pasta.
- Orange Bell Pepper - Sweet and colorful, orange bell pepper complements the dish with its mild flavor.
- Carrot - Adds a burst of color, sweetness, and crunch.
- Pesto - This fresh sauce is the heart of the dish, blending it with the rich flavors of basil, garlic, nuts, and parmesan cheese. You can use store-bought pesto or make your own for a fresher taste.
- Fresh Basil Leaves - Torn basil leaves add a final touch of freshness and aroma to the pasta primavera, enhancing the overall taste.
- Shaved Parmesan Cheese - Grated parmesan cheese adds a nutty and savory element to the dish, balancing the creaminess of the sauce and vegetables.
- Salt and Black Pepper - These essential seasonings allow you to fine-tune the dish to your taste, enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
INSTRUCTIONS
How to Make Healthy Pasta Primavera with Pesto
STEP ONE: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to the package instructions in boiling water until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
STEP TWO: Prepare and Steam the Fresh Vegetables
Trim and cut the broccolini into bite-sized pieces. Dice the zucchini, yellow squash, and orange bell pepper. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Trim the spring peas and snap peas. Thinly slice the radish. Peel the carrot and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
In an Instant Pot or steamer, add about 1 cup of water (or chicken stock) and the broccolini, diced zucchini, squash, and carrot slices. Steam the vegetables with the Instant Pot's timer set to 0 on high pressure with an instant release once they are tender-crisp. Alternatively, you can steam the vegetables on the stovetop until they are just tender. Drain any excess water and set the vegetables aside.
STEP THREE: Prepare the Dish
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, steamed vegetables, halved cherry tomatoes, spring peas, sliced radish, and diced orange bell pepper.
Pour the fresh pesto over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss everything together until the pesto evenly coats the ingredients.
STEP FOUR: Combine and Serve
Taste the pesto primavera and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish the salad with torn fresh basil leaves and generously top with shaved parmesan cheese.
Transfer the Pesto Primavera to a serving dish or individual plates. Enjoy this nutritious meal warm or chilled.
SUBSTITUTIONS
- Pasta - Opt for gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta to add more fiber and nutrients to the meal.
- Vegetables - Substitute broccolini with fresh asparagus or green beans. You can also use other colorful veggies like yellow or red peppers in place of orange peppers for a different color combination. Snow peas can be substituted for sugar snap peas.
VARIATIONS
- Method - Streamline the process by cooking the spring pasta and summer vegetables together for a One-Pot Pasta Primavera. Adjust the water quantity accordingly for a one-pot cooking method.
- Add-ins - Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the pasta for a protein-packed version.
- Flavor - Use heavy cream or cream cheese to create a creamy pasta primavera that coats the pasta and vegetables. Add a little chicken or vegetable broth to bring all of the flavors together. If you enjoy a bit of spiciness, red pepper flakes would add a subtle kick to the dish.
EQUIPMENT
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STORAGE
Store any leftover Healthy Pasta Primavera with Pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
This dish is not freezer friendly.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
TOP TIPS
Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, and use it to adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice and lemon zest before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore its creamy texture.
MORE RECIPES
Have leftover ingredients?
- Roast leftover broccolini with lemon and garlic for a flavorful side dish.
- Extra pesto can be spread on this amazing Prosciutto Caprese Sandwich.
- Use up your extra vegetables by tossing them in your favorite omelet or soup.
- Turn leftover pasta into a refreshing pasta salad for lunch or brunch.
Need something to pair this with?
- Serve this Healthy Pasta Primavera with Pesto alongside your favorite protein. Make some garlic butter shrimp or seasoned skillet chicken breasts for a complete meal.
In the mood for a similar dish?
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FAQ
Yes! Prepare the pasta and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, toss everything together with the pesto and garnishes.
While fresh vegetables offer the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen vegetables if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before use.
In Italian cooking, "primavera" translates to "spring" in English. The term "primavera" is commonly used to describe dishes that are made with a variety of fresh, seasonal vegetables typically available during the spring season.
📖 Recipe
Healthy Pasta Primavera Recipe with Pesto
Equipment
- Instant pot or steamer
Ingredients
- 16 oz Trottole pasta
- 1 bunch broccolini trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small zucchini diced
- 1 small squash diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 jumbo carrot peeled and thinly sliced
- 20-25 qty spring peas trimmed
- 1 large radish thinly sliced
- ½ qty orange bell pepper diced
- ¾ cup fresh pesto homemade or store-bought
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves torn
- shaved parmesan cheese to taste
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Trottole pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In an Instant Pot or steamer, add about 1 cup of water and the broccolini, diced zucchini, squash, and carrot slices. Steam the vegetables with the Instant Pot's timer set to 0 on high pressure with an instant release once they are tender-crisp. Alternatively, you can steam the vegetables on the stovetop until they are just tender. Drain any excess water and set the vegetables aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, steamed vegetables, halved cherry tomatoes, spring peas, sliced radish, and diced orange bell pepper.
- Pour the fresh pesto over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss everything together until the pesto evenly coats the ingredients.
- Taste the pesto primavera and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish the salad with torn fresh basil leaves and generously top with shaved parmesan cheese.
- Transfer the pesto primavera to a serving dish or individual plates. Enjoy this nutritious meal warm or chilled.
Video
Notes
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- Pasta - Opt for gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta to add more fiber and nutrients to the meal.
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- Vegetables - Substitute broccolini with fresh asparagus or green beans. You can also use other colorful veggies like yellow or red peppers in place of orange peppers for a different color combination. Snow peas can be substituted for sugar snap peas.
Healthy Pasta Primavera with Pesto is the perfect choice to celebrate the abundance of fresh seasonal vegetables in the spring. This simple dish with its combination of al dente pasta, basil pesto sauce, and a medley of colorful veggies is a family favorite recipe this time of year. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
FOOD SAFETY
If using store-bought pesto, check the expiration date and ensure that the jar is properly sealed. If making homemade pesto, store it in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. Pesto can contain perishable ingredients like fresh basil and parmesan, so it's essential to keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
If you choose to add grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken to your pasta primavera, ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature. The recommended safe minimum internal temperatures for chicken are 165°F (74°C).
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
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