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Spring Garden Pasta with fresh vegetables, basil, and Parmesan cheese in a rustic bowl, served with a light olive oil and garlic sauce
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Spring Garden Pasta

Spring Garden Pasta is a refreshing, light, and flavorful dish that celebrates the vibrant produce of the spring season. With a mix of fresh vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes, combined with a light olive oil and garlic base, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal. It’s customizable with proteins, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, making it a versatile and healthy option for any occasion.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Resting Time0 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large pan
  • Colander
  • Knife and Cutting Board
  • Tongs or spoon for stirring
  • Grater (optional, for cheese or zesting lemon)

Ingredients

  • 12 oz Pasta (whole wheat, gluten-free, or regular)
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium Zucchini (sliced)
  • 1 cup Asparagus (chopped)
  • ½ cup Bell peppers (sliced)
  • ¼ cup Fresh basil
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Lemon zest
  • To taste Salt & pepper

Instructions

  • Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all vegetables. Slice zucchini, chop asparagus, and halve cherry tomatoes. This helps in even cooking and creates an attractive dish.
  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes for al dente). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers, cooking for 5 minutes. Toss in cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the vegetables in the pan. Pour in reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce. Stir in lemon zest and fresh basil. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Customization Tips: Feel free to add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this dish heartier.
  • Vegan Option: Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly alternative.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes great meal prep for lunches.