There’s something incredibly uplifting about a dish that bursts with fresh veggies, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one bite, which is exactly what this Pasta Primavera Recipe delivers. It’s the ideal way to celebrate the vibrant, crisp flavors of spring and summer right on your plate, with a silky parmesan sauce that brings everything together. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a colorful, comforting medley you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two images show a large metal pan on a white marbled surface with fresh vegetables inside. In the first image, the pan holds four clear layers: bright green broccoli florets sitting on the bottom left, thin orange carrot sticks on the bottom right, sliced red bell peppers on the top left, and pale purple sliced onions on the top middle. In the second image, the vegetables are mixed and cooked, showing a colorful mix of green broccoli pieces, orange carrot sticks, light green zucchini slices, red cherry tomato halves, and red bell pepper pieces spread evenly. The pan handle points to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Pasta Primavera Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component contributes to the vibrant texture, fresh taste, and wholesome comfort that make it so satisfying.

1 ¼ cups chicken broth: Creates a savory, flavorful base for the sauce that lifts all the vegetables.
1 ¼ cups half and half: Adds luscious creaminess without overwhelming richness.
½ chicken bouillon cube: Concentrates the savory depth in the sauce with a touch of umami.
1 teaspoon soy sauce: Provides subtle saltiness and complexity.
1 teaspoon hot sauce: Injects a gentle kick to balance the creaminess.
¾ teaspoons dried parsley, basil, oregano, and mustard powder: A fragrant herb mix that infuses the sauce with layers of flavor.
1 pinch red pepper flakes: Adds a whisper of heat that enlivens the whole dish.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the vegetables and giving them a silky finish.
2 cups broccoli florets (bite-sized): Offers crunch and vibrant green color.
½ cup julienned carrots: Brings sweetness and a bright orange hue.
½ cup sliced red onion: Adds a touch of sharpness and lovely purple tone.
1 cup sliced red bell pepper: Sweet and colorful, it brightens every forkful.
½ zucchini, cut into chunks (about 1 ½ cups): Softens beautifully and absorbs flavors effortlessly.
½ cup frozen peas: Bursts of natural sweetness.
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered): Juicy and vibrant, they add freshness and a little acidity.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
3 tablespoons butter: Gives the sauce a rich, silky texture.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
3 tablespoons flour: Thickens the sauce to a velvety consistency.
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds savory sharpness and creamy richness.
½ lb. ziti pasta: Perfectly holds the sauce and veggies in every bite.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the flavors with a zesty, fresh finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Pasta Primavera Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Ingredients

Begin by combining the chicken broth, half and half, chicken bouillon cube, soy sauce, hot sauce, dried herbs, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes in a large measuring cup with a spout. This flavorful liquid foundation will be the heart of your sauce, infusing each bite with a savory, herbaceous warmth that’s simply irresistible. Set it aside while you gather the rest of your ingredients to stay organized.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add about half a tablespoon of salt to season it. Cooking the ziti to an al dente texture ensures it’s tender yet firm enough to carry all those delicious veggies and sauce without turning mushy. Drain the pasta once cooked, but hold off on mixing it in just yet.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and toss in your broccoli, red onion, carrots, and bell peppers first. Cooking these for a few minutes helps soften their edges while keeping a bit of crispness that brings exciting texture. Next, add zucchini, peas, and tomatoes, seasoning everything with salt and pepper to taste. A few more minutes allows the tomatoes to release their juices and all the vegetables to meld together beautifully before you remove them from the pan.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat and melt the butter in the same skillet, letting the minced garlic gently infuse into the fat for maximum aroma. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously — this forms a roux that thickens your sauce to perfection. Gradually whisk in the prepared sauce mixture from earlier in small splashes while stirring, ensuring a smooth consistency. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Once your sauce is warm and thickened, gradually sprinkle in the parmesan cheese while stirring until it smoothly melts in. Stir in fresh lemon juice to add a lively brightness that counters the creamy richness beautifully. Add the drained pasta back into the skillet, followed by the sautéed vegetables, tossing everything together till heated through and evenly coated. This is the moment when the Pasta Primavera Recipe truly comes alive—a harmony of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors in every forkful.

How to Serve Pasta Primavera Recipe

The image shows two round metal pans on a white marbled surface. The first pan is filled with a creamy light-colored sauce and colorful vegetables layered on top, including bright green broccoli florets, thin orange carrot strips, red bell pepper pieces, and small chunks of white onion, all spread evenly across the surface. The second pan holds a mixed pasta dish with a creamy sauce coating the pasta, which is creamy white penne mixed with small pieces of green broccoli and thin strips of red bell pepper, creating a colorful and creamy texture. In the background of the second pan, there are lemon wedges and a light fabric. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cracked black pepper and slices of lemon work wonderfully as simple garnishes that enhance the dish’s natural brightness and appeal. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle additional parmesan or finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top. These little additions visually brighten the plate and add a fresh pop of flavor just before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad featuring a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce. Garlic bread or rustic focaccia with olive oil dipping sauce also complement the meal perfectly by adding crunch and heartiness without overpowering the delicate vegetable flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Pasta Primavera Recipe in individual bowls over a bed of lightly dressed baby spinach or arugula leaves. You can also hollow out colorful bell peppers and stuff them with pasta for a festive, eye-catching presentation that makes dinner feel like a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The vibrant vegetables will retain much of their texture if you reheat gently. Be sure to seal tightly to avoid the sauce drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

While the sauce and veggies in this Pasta Primavera Recipe are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, though know that some vegetables might soften further during freezing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid reheating in the microwave for too long to keep the pasta from becoming mushy and to preserve the bright vegetable flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of ziti?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle work wonderfully because they hold the sauce and vegetables well, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.

Is this Pasta Primavera Recipe suitable for vegetarians?

You can easily make it vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and using a vegetable bouillon cube instead of chicken bouillon. The flavors will still be rich and delicious.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu make excellent additions if you want to boost the protein content without overpowering the fresh vegetable flavors.

What can I do if I don’t have half and half?

You can use whole milk combined with a little bit of cream or simply full-fat milk for a lighter version. Just keep in mind the sauce might be a bit less rich but still tasty.

How do I keep the vegetables crisp and not soggy?

A quick sauté over medium-high heat helps the vegetables retain their vibrant colors and some crunch. Avoid overcooking, and remember that the residual cooking during the final toss warms everything through without making them mushy.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Pasta Primavera Recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to meals for easy, flavorful weeknights or when you want to impress without stress. The combination of fresh vegetables, creamy parmesan sauce, and bright lemon notes makes it a refreshing and comforting dish at the same time. So, roll up your sleeves, gather those gorgeous veggies, and enjoy cooking this vibrant, heartwarming recipe that celebrates the very best of fresh ingredients.

Pasta Primavera Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need