A vibrant pasta with tender spring veggies, lemon, and herbs. Light, flavorful, and simple Italian comfort meal.
# Ingredients List:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or farfalle pasta
→ Fresh Vegetables
02 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
03 - 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
04 - 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
07 - 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
→ Aromatics & Herbs
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
10 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
12 - Zest of 1 lemon
13 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
→ Sauce & Seasoning
14 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
15 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
17 - Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain using a colander.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are just tender.
04 - Add cherry tomatoes and peas; continue cooking for 2–3 more minutes until tomatoes soften.
05 - Return drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss gently until well combined.
06 - Stir in reserved pasta water, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped basil, and parsley. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
07 - Remove skillet from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs as desired.
