Pasta Primavera Recipe

Boil pasta

Bring 6 cups water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Stir in 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Add 12 oz pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions (usually 8–11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Prep vegetables

While pasta cooks, prepare vegetables: thinly slice garlic, bell pepper, zucchini and red onion; trim and cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces; halve cherry tomatoes; rinse spinach and basil and chiffonade the basil.

Sauté aromatics

In a large wide skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil until shimmering. Add sliced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds, stirring, until fragrant but not browned.

Cook firmer vegetables

Add sliced red onion, bell pepper, zucchini and asparagus to the skillet. Sauté 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften and develop light color. If the pan becomes dry, add up to 1 tablespoon more olive oil.

Add softer vegetables

Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; stir to combine.

Toss with pasta

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Toss over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until pasta is coated and sauce loosens; add more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to reach desired sauciness.

Finish with butter and cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional) and 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan to create a silky glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serve

Divide pasta among 4 plates or bowls. Top each portion with remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and chiffonaded fresh basil (about 2 tablespoons per serving). Drizzle lightly with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil or extra-virgin olive oil if desired and serve immediately.