Imagine a plate that's not just a meal, but a vibrant canvas of fresh vegetables dancing with perfectly cooked pasta - that's exactly what Mama Delilah's Pasta Primavera delivers! This quick and easy Italian-inspired dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a speedy weeknight dinner or a culinary enthusiast craving something fresh and delicious, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add sliced bell peppers and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Gently add halved cherry tomatoes to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Season the vegetables with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Transfer to serving plates and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of this classic primavera.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish.
- Keep your vegetables crisp by cooking them on medium-high heat and not overcrowding the pan.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce.
- Use the freshest vegetables you can find for maximum flavor and color.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the best taste and texture.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the vegetables at their peak tenderness and pasta at its warmest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 313kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
