Vibrant Veggie Pasta with Lemon Basil Sauce

Ingredients

- 12 oz pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large red onion, finely sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients, ensuring the vegetables are washed and prepped. For the best results, thaw the frozen peas in advance.

2. Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This should take around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.

3. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced red onion and sauté for approximately 3 minutes until it begins to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add the Green Vegetables
Stir in the asparagus and zucchini pieces. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are just tender. Ensure you stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Incorporate Tomatoes and Peas
Add the cherry tomatoes and frozen peas to the pan. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue to sauté for 3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cooked pasta to the vegetable mixture. Stir in the reserved pasta water, half of the Parmesan cheese, and the lemon zest. Toss everything together until you achieve a creamy and well-combined sauce.

7. Finish with Fresh Flavor
Add the chopped fresh basil and gently fold it into the pasta. Let it warm for about 1 minute to release its aroma. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired.

8. Serve and Garnish
Divide the pasta among four plates or bowls. Generously sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over each serving before adding a few basil leaves for garnish.

Total Time

PT35M
35 minutes

Type of Dish

Dinner

Keywords

Pasta, Dinner, Sautéed Vegetables, Italian, Lemon Basil, Vegetarian, Quick Meal, Asparagus, Zucchini, Parmesan

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Total calories: 1,600

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