Looking for a delightful dish that captures the essence of spring? Look no further than our vibrant Pasta Primavera mit Spargel! This Italian classic is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of fresh flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With tender asparagus, colorful bell peppers, and zucchini, this dish is a celebration of seasonal vegetables, all tossed together in a light and aromatic garlic olive oil sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Trim the asparagus by cutting off the tough ends. Slice the bell pepper and zucchini into thin strips. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the sliced bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Next, add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet. Continue to sauté the vegetables for another 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
- Gently toss the pasta and vegetables together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help combine everything. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can chop all your vegetables in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook, making it easy to whip up this dish in no time.
- Choose the Right Pasta: While any pasta works, opt for shapes like penne or farfalle that hold onto the sauce and vegetables better, enhancing every bite.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: For the best texture, sauté the vegetables until they are tender but still crisp. This helps retain their vibrant colors and nutrients.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always set aside some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water is a great way to adjust the sauce consistency and helps everything stick together beautifully.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, consider garnishing your dish with fresh basil or parsley, along with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables or proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp to customize the dish to your liking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
