Pasta Primavera with Fresh Basil: A Flavorful and Nutritious Delight
Indulge in the vibrant, fresh flavors of Pasta Primavera with Fresh Basil, a one-pot meal that brings the goodness of seasonal vegetables together with the hearty richness of durum wheat spaghetti. This Italian-inspired dish is a celebration of color and taste, featuring a variety of fresh veggies like carrots, baby potatoes, broccoli, and green beans, perfectly complemented by the aromatic touch of basil leaves. With its delicate flavors enhanced by fresh lemon and extra virgin olive oil, this pasta dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious treat for the body.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying vegetarian dinner or a quick and healthy meal, this recipe is sure to leave you feeling nourished and content.
Ingredients for Pasta Primavera with Fresh Basil
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Durum Wheat Spaghetti Pasta | 450 grams |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1, diced |
| Baby Potatoes | 5, cut into halves |
| Green Beans (French Beans) | 7, cut into long pieces |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, cut into julienne |
| Sweet Corn | 1/3 cup |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 5, halved |
| Broccoli | 1/2 cup, florets |
| Onion | 1, thinly sliced |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Basil Leaves | 1 cup, finely chopped |
| Lemon | 1, juiced |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red Chilli Flakes | To taste |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup, grated |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions for Pasta Primavera with Fresh Basil
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Steam the Vegetables: Begin by steaming your vegetables—broccoli, potatoes, corn, carrot, and green beans. You can use a steamer, a pressure cooker, or a microwave to steam them, depending on your preference. Ensure that they are tender but still vibrant in color.
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Cook the Pasta: Place a saucepan over medium heat and add water along with a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is done, drain it and reserve about 1/3 cup of the pasta water for later.
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Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat a pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the chopped garlic and red chili flakes, allowing the garlic to release its aroma. This should take about a minute.
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Add Onions and Vegetables: To the pan, add the sliced onions and sauté them until they become translucent—be careful not to let them brown. Once the onions are ready, add the steamed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, beans, corn, and broccoli) to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and sauté for 2 minutes.
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Mix in the Capsicum and Tomatoes: Add the julienned green bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and half of the chopped basil to the pan. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly while retaining their freshness.
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Combine Pasta and Veggies: Now, add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the vegetables. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated with the veggies and the aromatic oil. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen up the sauce.
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Final Touches: Turn off the heat and squeeze in about half a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Mix well and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt if necessary.
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Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and vegetables on serving dishes. Garnish with the remaining fresh basil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a dash of red chili flakes for a bit of heat. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle a little more extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs wonderfully with Garlic Bread with Herb Butter and a glass of chilled wine for a delightful and complete meal. For added variety, feel free to experiment by incorporating mushrooms, olives, zucchini, or spinach for even more color and nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | ~8g |
| Carbohydrates | ~60g |
| Fat | ~12g |
| Fiber | ~8g |
| Sodium | ~250mg |
| Sugars | ~10g |
| Vitamin A | ~120% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | ~35% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | ~8% of Daily Value |
| Iron | ~10% of Daily Value |
Tips & Variations:
- You can add mushrooms, olives, zucchini, or spinach to make the dish even more vibrant and nutritious.
- For an extra rich flavor, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the pasta just before serving—it helps bring out the freshness of the basil and the vegetables.
- To make this dish gluten-free, swap the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta.
Enjoy this fresh and satisfying Pasta Primavera with Fresh Basil, the perfect way to celebrate the season’s best vegetables while treating yourself to a delicious, wholesome meal.
