Quick and Comforting Pasta Primavera
After a long day and braving heavy traffic, unwind with this quick and comforting pasta primavera. This dish features a burst of vibrant, sautéed vegetables tossed with spaghetti in a light creamy sauce, offering a delicious and gratifying meal in less than 30 minutes.
quick mealsminimal ingredientsbudget friendlyhealthyitalianweeknight dinnerseasy recipesvegetariancomfort foodpasta dishes
10m 15m 2 13
Ingredients
- spaghetti (200 grams)
- olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- sliced bell pepper (1 medium) - Use red, yellow, or a combination for color.
- sliced zucchini (1 medium)
- halved cherry tomatoes (100 grams)
- grated parmesan cheese (30 grams)
- torn fresh basil (5 leaves) - Optional for garnishing.
- salt (0.5 teaspoons)
- black pepper (0.25 teaspoons) - Freshly ground.
- minced garlic (2 cloves)
- cream (100 milliliters)
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced bell pepper and zucchini, and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Vegetables
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with sautéed vegetables.
- Pour in the cream and mix well to coat the pasta.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss everything together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates.
- Garnish with torn basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or shrimp to the dish for extra protein.
- Use any vegetables you have on hand, such as asparagus or mushrooms, to make it more hearty.
- To make it vegan, substitute cream with almond milk and omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.