Lemon Parmesan Primavera Pasta
A vibrant dish that combines fresh seasonal vegetables with zesty lemon and savory Parmesan cheese, perfect for quick dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the sliced bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for around 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
- Next, add the broccoli florets and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 4–5 minutes, or until the tomatoes start to break down and the broccoli is tender but still vibrant in color.
Creating the Sauce
- Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing well. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure even distribution of the sauce and vegetables.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and well combined. Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving the Dish
- Plate the Lemon Parmesan Primavera Pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Select fresh vegetables to enhance flavor. Aim for al dente pasta. Adjust lemon to taste. You can add protein like chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Use reserved pasta water for a creamy consistency.