If you want a light, fresh and tasty pasta dish, Ina Garten Pasta Primavera Recipe is perfect. This recipe is full of colorful vegetables and simple flavors.
Learning how to make Ina Garten Pasta Primavera is easy and it’s a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables in a meal.
With the right ingredients for Ina Garten Pasta Primavera, you can make a restaurant-quality dish at home. This pasta is healthy, satisfying and perfect for lunch or dinner any day.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this recipe on a busy weekday and it was amazing. The vegetables were fresh and crisp, while the pasta was perfectly cooked. I loved the light lemon and garlic flavors. It felt healthy and satisfying at the same time.
Preparing the vegetables was fun because they added so many colors to the dish. My family loved it and I will make it again soon. It’s one of my favorite Ina Garten recipes now.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Pasta Primavera
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot for pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Colander
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowl
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Pasta Primavera
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package instructions until tender. - Drain the Pasta
Drain pasta in a colander and set aside. Keep a small cup of pasta water for later. - Heat Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the pan is hot. - Cook Garlic
Add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant but not brown. - Add Vegetables
Add zucchini, squash, bell pepper, broccoli and asparagus. Cook until tender-crisp, about 5–7 minutes. - Season Vegetables
Sprinkle salt and pepper. Stir gently to coat all vegetables evenly. - Combine Pasta and Veggies
Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well with the vegetables and olive oil. - Add Parmesan and Lemon
Sprinkle grated Parmesan and lemon juice over pasta. Toss again to combine flavors. - Add Pasta Water if Needed
If pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water. Stir until creamy and well coated. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta. Serve warm in a large serving bowl.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Pasta Primavera
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best taste.
- Cut all vegetables into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Don’t overcook vegetables; keep them crisp-tender.
- Use a good quality olive oil for flavor.
- Toss pasta and vegetables gently to keep texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta makes it mushy and less tasty.
- Adding vegetables too early can make them soggy.
- Forgetting salt will make the dish bland.
- Skipping Parmesan reduces richness and flavor.
- Using frozen vegetables can change texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta primavera with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony flavors. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual lunch with friends.
Variations You Can Try
- Add cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness.
- Mix in peas or baby spinach for more color.
- Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for extra crunch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Add a little olive oil or pasta water when reheating to keep it moist.
- Do not overcook when reheating to avoid soggy vegetables.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Health Benefits
This pasta primavera is full of fresh vegetables, providing fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Using olive oil adds healthy fats. It’s a light but filling meal.
Eating vegetables regularly supports digestion, heart health and overall wellness. This dish is healthy, balanced and satisfying.
Ina Garten Pasta Primavera Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta penne or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini sliced
- 1 medium yellow squash sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup asparagus cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package instructions until tender.
Drain the Pasta
- Drain pasta in a colander and set aside. Keep a small cup of pasta water for later.
Heat Olive Oil
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the pan is hot.
Cook Garlic
- Add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
Add Vegetables
- Add zucchini, squash, bell pepper, broccoli and asparagus. Cook until tender-crisp, about 5–7 minutes.
Season Vegetables
- Sprinkle salt and pepper. Stir gently to coat all vegetables evenly.
Combine Pasta and Veggies
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well with the vegetables and olive oil.
Add Parmesan and Lemon
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan and lemon juice over pasta. Toss again to combine flavors.
Add Pasta Water if Needed
- If pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water. Stir until creamy and well coated.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta. Serve warm in a large serving bowl.
Notes
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best taste.
- Cut all vegetables into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Don’t overcook vegetables; keep them crisp-tender.
- Use a good quality olive oil for flavor.
- Toss pasta and vegetables gently to keep texture.
FAQs about Ina Garten Pasta Primavera
Q1: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare vegetables ahead, but toss pasta and veggies just before serving for freshness.
Q2: Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but cook them briefly to avoid soggy texture. Fresh vegetables taste better in this recipe.
Q3: Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp or tofu works well for a more filling meal.
Q4: Can I make this vegan?
Yes, skip Parmesan and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor.
Q5: Can I use other pasta types?
Yes, penne, fettuccine or spaghetti work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Pasta Primavera Recipe is a fresh, colorful and healthy pasta dish. Learning how to make Ina Garten Pasta Primavera is simple and following these steps guarantees delicious results.
Using fresh ingredients for Ina Garten Pasta Primavera ensures every bite is full of flavor. This pasta is perfect for lunch, dinner or special occasions. Try it at home and enjoy a vibrant, tasty and healthy meal that everyone will love.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!