Pasta Primavera with Lemon Garlic Sauce

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) penne pasta 8 ounces (225g) penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup broccoli florets 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced bell peppers, asparagus, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. 4.
   Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
6. 6.
   Pour the lemon garlic sauce over the cooked vegetables and stir to combine.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Asparagus — Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears before cutting them into 2-inch pieces.
• Cherry tomatoes — Use ripe and sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Lemon — Zest the lemon before juicing it to maximize the citrusy aroma in the dish.
• Penne pasta — Cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier sauce, add a splash of plant-based cream or a dollop of vegan cream cheese.
• Customize the vegetables based on what's in season or your personal preferences.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Serve the Pasta Primavera with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be enjoyed cold as a refreshing pasta salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Pasta Primavera hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful vegetables on top of the pasta to create an eye-catching presentation. Drizzle a little extra lemon garlic sauce over the dish for added visual appeal.