Healthy Pasta Primavera Recipe

By Rena Awada | Updated On December 25, 2023

This Healthy Pasta Primavera Recipe is one of the simplest vegetarian pasta dishes you could make in under 30 minutes. Not only is it a zesty way to eat pasta, but it’s also a fun dish to make. A perfect tomato and vegetable penne pasta to make for your family.

side shot of penne pasta  with veggies and marinara sauce in a bowl


This Simple Penne Primavera Recipe has quite a few amazing ingredients in it that help pull it all together. Made with pantry staple ingredients and fresh veggies, this vegetarian pasta dish will not only satisfy your taste buds but is packed with nutrients that will also keep you full and satisfied. Keep in mind that you could also double the batch and have extra for a later night in the week since they store well in the fridge.

Want to add more protein to this Primavera pasta recipe? You could add any protein of your choice like some grilled chicken or shrimp.

Why you will love this recipe

  • Simple and easy to make: This recipe for pasta primavera is quite simple and hassle-free. Does call for a lot of ingredients and it is ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Packed with nutrients and fiber: Loaded with veggies and fiber, this primavera pasta will keep you full and satisfied
  • Meal prep friendly and versatile: Love meal prepping? This dish will be perfect as your side with some added protein of your choice. It Stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
top view of a dish with pasta veggies and marinara sauce topped with shredded parmesan cheese

Ingredients you will need

  • Whole wheat pasta such as penne or any other short pasta of your choice
  • Warm prepared marinara sauce look for a low-fat, low-sugar variety: Want to make your own? Checkout our homemade marinara sauce recipe
  • Olive oil: or you may use avocado oil
  • Small broccoli florets: fresh works best but you may use frozen broccoli
  • Peeled carrots: we do not recommend canned carrots
  • Yellow squash halved and thinly sliced
  • Mushrooms thinly sliced: do not use canned unless you have to. Fresh always best
  • Chopped Onion
  • Minced garlic: do use fresh garlic cloves
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese: store-bought or you can grate your own.
  • Chopped parsley: used to garnish

How to make Pasta Primavera Recipe

  • Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onions to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they’ve started to soften.
  • Add the broccoli, carrots, squash, and mushrooms to the pan. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are tender and starting to brown.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  • Add the cooked pasta and marinara sauce in the pan; toss to coat.
  • Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve. Top with chopped parsley if desired.
top view of penne pasta primavera in a bowl topped with broccoli mushroom zucchini and shredded parmesan cheese

Frequently asked questions

what is pasta primavera?

Pasta primavera is a classic Italian dish that is usually made of pasta, mixed vegetables, and a tomato-based sauce. There are many variations to this dish with different vegetables added like bell peppers, fresh broccoli, carrots, zucchini, and peas. The dish is made by tossing some al-dente pasta with olive oil, fresh garlic, primavera sauce, and fresh veggies. It is a great vegetarian or vegan dish option.

What vegetables to add to Primavera pasta?

Veggies that you can add to primavera pasta can be fresh broccoli florets, asparagus, peas, mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, and chopped spinach.

Can you reheat pasta primavera?

Yes. You can store pasta primavera for up to 5 days and simply reheat it when ready to serve. Either reheat in the microwave or use a saucepan and reheat over medium heat on your stovetop. You may add a splash of water to the pasta once you add it to your pan before reheating.

Recipe notes and Tips

  • Use any pasta of your choice. We used whole wheat penne pasta but any other short pasta will work.
  • Do not overcook the pasta. Cook the pasta Al-dente.
  • Add any other veggies of your choice. You can get creative.
  • Want to add more protein to this primavera recipe? Add any protein you prefer like chicken, shrimp, or grilled salmon.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Want a creamy pasta dish with chicken? We think you will love this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe.

More Pasta Recipes

If you make this Healthy Pasta Primavera Recipe and you like it please share it on Instagram using the hashtag #healthyfitnessmeals and pin it on Pinterest!

Leave me a comment below and let me know what protein you chose to add to this or if you had it as is!

top view of a dish with pasta veggies and marinara sauce topped with shredded parmesan cheese

Healthy Pasta Primavera Recipe

Whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce, parmesan cheese, and plenty of fresh vegetables. Ready in just under 30 minutes.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 337kcal
Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole wheat pasta such as penne
  • 2 cups of warm prepared marinara sauce look for a low-fat, low-sugar variety
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 cup of small broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup of peeled carrots cut into 1/4 inch pieces
  • 1 yellow squash halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup of mushrooms thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onions to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they’ve started to soften.
  • Add the broccoli, carrots, squash, and mushrooms to the pan. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are tender and starting to brown.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  • Add the cooked pasta and marinara sauce in the pan; toss to coat.
  • Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve. Top with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Nutritional facts:
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 861mg | Potassium: 904mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3085IU | Vitamin C: 39.6mg | Calcium: 205mg | Iron: 4.1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @HealthyFitnessMeals or tag #HealthyFitnessMeals!

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Comments

  1. grilled chicken burger recipe says

    5 stars
    Dear Rena,
    Dear, you can explain very beautifully. I like pasta. thank u for sharing with us

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