Pasta Primavera with Lemon Garlic

Name: Pasta Primavera with Lemon Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or any pasta of choice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium zucchini, sliced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making Pasta Primavera with Lemon Garlic because it captures the essence of fresh vegetables and vibrant flavors in every bite. The combination of colorful vegetables tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a zesty garlic lemon sauce invigorates my senses, especially during the warmer months. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile, allowing for substitutions based on seasonal produce or personal preference. Each time I make it, the bright flavors remind me of the simple pleasures of cooking with fresh ingredients.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-13T09:44:59.815Z

When I first concocted my Pasta Primavera with Lemon Garlic, I wanted to create a dish that celebrated the bounty of vegetables I found at the local market. The bright colors and crisp textures instantly turned the meal into a feast for the eyes and palate. I discovered that mixing a variety of seasonal vegetables not only elevates the dish visually but also adds a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.

The key to my sauce is the balance of lemon juice and garlic—it creates a refreshing yet bold taste that clings to the pasta just right. I often play with the ratios or even add a splash of white wine for an extra zing. It’s delicious every time!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Vibrant colors from fresh seasonal vegetables
Zesty lemon and garlic create a refreshing sauce
Quick and easy for weeknight dinners or lunch prep

      

Mastering the Vegetables

When it comes to this Pasta Primavera, the choice and preparation of vegetables can really enhance the overall flavor and texture. Each vegetable has a specific cooking time; for example, asparagus takes about 4-5 minutes to cook until tender-crisp, while cherry tomatoes just need 2-3 minutes to soften and burst their juices. A great tip is to cut your vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. If you're missing an ingredient, feel free to replace zucchini with yellow squash or add in seasonal favorites like peas or snap peas for additional sweetness.

To maintain the vibrant colors and nutrients of your vegetables, try blanching them briefly before sautéing. This method helps retain their bright hues and crunchy texture. Simply boil them for a minute or two, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process quickly. This technique works particularly well for broccoli and bell peppers, and it can cut down on your sauté time as well.

Perfecting the Sauce

The lemon garlic sauce is the star of this dish, so it’s crucial to balance the acidity of the lemon with the richness of the olive oil. To achieve a harmonious flavor, I suggest starting with just the juice of half a lemon and adjusting based on your taste preference. Incorporating lemon zest adds an aromatic depth that elevates the dish. If you're looking for a creamier texture, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese at the end for a luxurious finish.

Another essential aspect is ensuring that the sauce adequately coats the pasta. When you combine the lemon juice with reserved pasta water, aim for a consistency that clings but is not too watery—like a light emulsion. If the mixture seems dry, add more pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve that glossy consistency that enhances the overall eating experience.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Pasta Primavera can be a great make-ahead meal for busy weekdays. After assembling the pasta with the vegetables and sauce, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, consider leaving out the fresh parsley and adding it just before serving for the best flavor and texture. To reheat, simply add a splash of water, cover, and microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.

For serving, I highly recommend garnishing with freshly grated parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added kick. This dish is also excellent as a cold pasta salad if you wish to serve it at room temperature or chilled—just allow the flavors to marinate for a couple of hours in the refrigerator before serving. Feel free to add in some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or any pasta of choice
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Make sure to use fresh vegetables for the best flavor!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, broccoli, and asparagus.

Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender yet crisp.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in lemon juice, zest, and some pasta water to help coat the pasta. Toss everything together, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finish and Serve

Remove from heat, stir in the fresh parsley, and serve warm with additional lemon zest on top if desired.

This dish is best served immediately for optimal freshness.

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap out the veggies based on what's in season or to suit your preferences. Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving takes it up a notch!

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t hesitate to switch out the vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. This recipe is incredibly forgiving; for instance, if you prefer peas over asparagus or want to add in some baby spinach for a pop of color and nutrition, go for it! Also, if you're looking for a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free pasta varieties that hold up well, like brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta, which can add an extra layer of flavor.

If you want to make this dish vegan, simply replace the parmesan with a nutritional yeast substitute or omit it altogether. Additionally, using a plant-based oil instead of olive oil can complement the vibrant flavors while keeping it light and irresistible.

Meal Prep Tips

To streamline your cooking process, consider pre-chopping your vegetables on the weekend. Not only will this save you time during weeknight meal preparation, but it also encourages you to enjoy the freshness of vegetables at their peak. Store the chopped veggies in separate containers or even mix them together to save space in your refrigerator.

Cooking the pasta a day in advance also makes assembling this dish even quicker. Just remember to toss it with a bit of olive oil before storing to prevent sticking. This way, on busy nights, you can simply sauté the veggies, mix in the pasta, and have a delicious, colorful meal on the table in minutes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Simply omit any cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can include any seasonal vegetables such as spinach, peas, or carrots.

→ Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the vegetables and sauce in advance, then combine with the pasta just before serving.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.