Pasta Primavera (Printable)

Vibrant Italian pasta with roasted seasonal vegetables, garlic, olive oil, and freshly grated Parmesan.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced
03 - 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
05 - 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
06 - 1 small red onion, sliced
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1 cup broccoli florets

→ Seasonings & Aromatics

09 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
10 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
12 - ½ teaspoon salt
13 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional

→ Garnish

15 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
17 - Lemon wedges, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli on the prepared sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and spread in a single layer.
02 - Roast for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until lightly browned and tender.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.
04 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Add roasted vegetables and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen, if needed.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in half the Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Serve immediately, topped with remaining Parmesan and extra herbs. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It turns whatever vegetables you have on hand into something that feels like a celebration on a plate.
  • The roasted edges add a caramelized sweetness that no amount of stovetop stirring can replicate.
  • You get a complete meal in under an hour without feeling like you spent the whole evening tied to the stove.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to mingle and deepen.
02 -
  • Do not crowd the vegetables on the baking sheet or they will steam instead of roast, and you will miss out on those caramelized edges.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining because that starchy liquid is the secret to making everything cling together without feeling dry or oily.
  • Add the garlic to the skillet only after the oil is warm, not screaming hot, or it will burn before you even notice.
03 -
  • Roast the vegetables on the top rack of the oven for even more caramelization and color.
  • Toss the hot pasta with a tiny pat of butter along with the Parmesan for an even silkier finish.
  • Taste a piece of pasta one minute before the package says it is done, because al dente means it still has a firm center that will finish cooking when you toss it with the vegetables.
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