A vibrant spring-inspired pasta dish, infused with zesty lemon and fresh vegetables.
Did you know?
Did you know that 'Primavera' means 'spring' in Italian? This pasta celebrates fresh spring vegetables that have been a staple in Italian cooking for centuries.
Imagine a dish that encapsulates the essence of spring in every bite, where the tender pasta embraces colorful vegetables with a zestful lemon embrace – that's Pasta Primavera al Limone for you. As bright and lively as a sunny day in the Italian countryside, this dish sings of fresh produce and simple, yet sophisticated flavors. This dish, with its array of sautéed seasonal vegetables entangled within al dente pasta, carries the story of the Italian 'cucina povera,' where humble ingredients combine to create something spectacular. The twist of lemon hails from the Amalfi Coast, known for its luscious lemon groves.
Each forkful is a painting of Italy's diverse landscapes – from the fertile soils of Tuscany, bursting with fresh produce, to the citrus-fragrant cliffs of Campania. Prepare to be enchanted by the perfume of herbs and lemon in this light, yet deeply flavorful meal. This recipe is an ode to Italian springtime, designed for those who desire a meal that's as delightful to the senses as a stroll through a Florentine garden.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a medley of vibrant vegetables and high-quality pasta to carry the luscious lemon sauce. Opt for seasonal produce to ensure the freshest flavors.
Lemon zest and fresh green peas play starring roles in this recipe, offering a burst of citrus brightness and a sweet, springy crunch that elevate the dish to new heights.
- 350g farfalle or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 100g fresh green peas
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 100g asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2 cm pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
Steps
Follow these steps to weave together this symphony of springtime flavors, paying homage to Italy’s tradition of simplicity and freshness.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the yellow squash, zucchini, carrot, green peas, red bell pepper, and asparagus and sauté until just tender, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the vegetables and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sautéed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from the heat, add the fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, and toss again.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped basil.
Add some extra love
For a richer flavor, finish the pasta with a swirl of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Recipe Remix:
Your Twist, Your Taste
Whether you would like to swap out an ingredient, make it vegan, or just mix things up, let's get creative and remix this recipe!
Your kitchen, your rules. Let's play.
Not what you were looking for?
If this was not what you were looking for,
you can always create your own recipe!
Have You Brought This Dish to Life?
Spread the flavor by sharing your experience, tips, and rating with our food-loving community!