Pasta Primavera {A Meatless Monday Recipe

If you’re looking for a way to use fresh vegetables, pasta primavera will quickly become a vegetarian favorite for Meatless Monday!

What is Pasta Primavera?

Pasta primavera is simply a dish made of fresh vegetables and pasta. In Italian, “primavera” means spring style which refers to fresh vegetables. when talking about food. However, it is actually an American dish not Italian; first served in New York City.

This recipe is made with fresh zucchini, summer squash, bell peppers, mushrooms, sugar snap peas, and diced tomatoes, tossed with pasta and tangy goat cheese.

I’m excited to share this recipe with you!

The Ingredients:

• Pasta: spaghetti or any type of pasta you have on hand will work.
• Oil: extra virgin olive oil combined with unsalted butter
• Vegetables: onion, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, yellow, orange, and red bell peppers, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, and sugar snap peas. Use any vegetables you have on hand. The more the better!
• Seasonings: garlic, Kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red crushed pepper flakes.
• Cheese: I use crumbled goat cheese because I love the way it becomes creamy and silky in the hot pasta and vegetables. Parmesan cheese is also a great option. However, the cheese is completely optional. Omit the cheese to make this recipe vegan.

How To Make Pasta Primavera

This recipe comes together pretty quickly. Most of the work comes during the prep, other than that, Pasta primavera is really easy to make.

Make the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Make pasta per package instructions.

Cook the Vegetables:

1. Meanwhile, add the olive oil and butter to a large 2-inch deep skillet, over medium-high heat. 
2. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add in onions and saute until tender; about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add in squash and zucchini and cook until tender; about 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Add in mushrooms and carrots and cook veggies, until tender, about 3 to 5 more minutes.
5. Add in tomatoes and juice, stir into veggies and warm through.
6. Once the tomatoes are warmed through, add in snap peas. Cook about 3 more minutes.

Combine the Pasta and Vegetables:

Add drained pasta and combine with veggies, using thongs.

Serving Pasta Primavera:

Plate the pasta primavera and serve with crumbles of goat cheese.

Pasta Primavera FAQ’s?

Can I Use Frozen Vegetables?

Yes, but frozen vegetables work well, just make sure they are cooked through and not frozen in the middle.

Does pasta primavera have sauce?

This particular recipe does not. However, there are some variations of pasta primavera that have cream sauce added in, some even made with white wine.

Can you freeze pasta primavera?

I tried freezing it, but I do not recommend it. When warmed the pasta becomes too runny, probably from more moisture coming out of the vegetables. Yuck!

As you eat the goat cheese starts to melt and cling to the strands of pasta and vegetables. It is so good!

This quick and easy meal is great for Meatless Monday or any day you feel like eating a light pasta dish.

Enjoy!