This fresh take on Pasta Primavera is loaded with tender-crisp veggies and finished with a light drizzle of lemon and herbs. Ready in less than 30 minutes, and it makes a terrific main dish or side for sharing.
Ingredients
8-10ouncespenne or other pasta
2tablespoonsolive oildivided
1/2medium red onionsliced
1/3cupshredded carrots
8-10asparagus spearscut into 2-3” pieces
1red bell peppersliced
1medium yellow squashsliced into half-moons
3-4clovesgarlicminced
1teaspoondried oregano
1teaspoondried thyme
kosher salt & black pepper
1cupgrape or cherry tomatoeshalved
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
1/2cupgrated Parmesan
1-2teaspoonschopped fresh parsley or basil
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
Boil a large pot of water, add a large pinch of salt, and cook the pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining and setting aside.
While pasta cooks, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add carrots, asparagus, and bell pepper, then cook 2 minutes more. Add squash and cook 1-2 minutes more. The veggies should remain crisp on the outside but be tender enough to pierce with a fork.
Add garlic, oregano, thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Saute 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the tomatoes.
Return pasta to the pot or place in a large serving bowl, then add the veggies. Drizzle on lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, then toss well to combine. Add some of the reserved pasta water if desired. Mix in Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil, and serve with extra Parmesan on top.