Fresh Spring Pasta Primavera with Feta Recipe

This Fresh Spring Pasta Primavera with Feta is the ultimate celebration of seasonal vegetables and vibrant flavor—light, colorful, and packed with everything we love about spring cooking. It’s a super quick and easy dish that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but is also perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is tight and you just want something fresh, filling, and fabulous on the table in under 30 minutes. The creamy, salty feta perfectly balances the crisp-tender vegetables, while a simple garlic and olive oil sauce ties it all together in the most irresistible way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Fuss-Free: This dish comes together in a flash, making it ideal for weeknights when you want something wholesome without standing over the stove for an hour.
• Packed with Veggies: A rainbow of spring vegetables adds not just nutrition, but bright flavors and textures that scream fresh.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of garlic, olive oil, lemon, and creamy feta is simple yet so satisfying.
• Versatile: This pasta is a fantastic base for endless variations—change up the veggies, the pasta, or the cheese to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make this dish shine—just fresh ingredients and a little love.

• Pasta: Choose a short pasta like penne, farfalle, or rotini that can hold onto all the sauce and veggies.
• Zucchini and Yellow Squash: Adds a soft, slightly sweet bite and gorgeous color contrast.
• Asparagus: Brings a delightful crisp-tender texture and a signature springtime earthiness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These burst as they cook, creating little pockets of juicy sweetness.
• Carrots: Thinly sliced or julienned for a touch of crunch and natural sweetness.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle crunch and a pop of bright, sweet flavor.
• Garlic: The base of the sauce—fragrant and delicious, it infuses the entire dish with warm depth.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing and finishing the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Just a squeeze brightens the entire plate and enhances the veggies.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and just salty enough to tie everything together. Crumble it generously over the top.
• Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley for a finishing touch of freshness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To season everything to perfection.

Variations

This pasta primavera is a playground for customization. Here are some tasty twists you can try:

• Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make great additions if you want to boost the protein content.
• Go Vegan: Swap the feta for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
• Try Different Veggies: Green beans, snap peas, mushrooms, or spinach would all be delicious here.
• Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta if you want a richer sauce.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil adds a gentle kick.

How to Make Fresh Spring Pasta Primavera with Feta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the carrots and bell peppers first (they take a bit longer to soften), followed by the zucchini, squash, and asparagus. Cook until the veggies are tender-crisp, about 5–7 minutes. Finally, add the cherry tomatoes and cook just until they begin to soften and burst.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the veggies. Toss to combine. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and a squeeze of lemon juice to loosen everything up and bring the sauce together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Finish with Feta

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle generously with crumbled feta and fresh herbs. Give it one last gentle toss and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Keep them crisp-tender to preserve their vibrant color and fresh flavor.
• Use Fresh Lemon: Bottled lemon juice just won’t deliver the same brightness. Fresh is best here.
• Reserve Pasta Water: It’s starchy and helps create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Crumble Feta by Hand: This gives you a nice mix of big and small bits for better texture in every bite.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: It keeps the dish light and prevents the pasta from getting mushy when tossed with the warm veggies.

How to Serve

This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ways to round it out:

Garnishes:

Top with extra feta, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or more fresh herbs.

Side Dishes:

Serve with warm crusty bread or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Wine Pairing:

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the fresh, zesty flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight!

Freezing

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the delicate vegetables and feta, but you can freeze it if needed. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil, just until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make the veggies mushy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables will work in a pinch, though fresh ones offer better texture and flavor. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before sautéing to avoid excess moisture.

What’s the best type of pasta for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, farfalle, or fusilli is ideal because it catches all the little bits of veggies and cheese. Long pasta like spaghetti can work, but it’s a bit trickier to toss evenly.

Is feta cheese necessary?
Feta really brings a creamy, salty punch that elevates the dish—but if you’re not a fan, try goat cheese, parmesan, or even a dairy-free alternative.

How can I make this dish more filling?
Add a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even white beans. You could also toss in a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and richness.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Spring Pasta Primavera with Feta is everything you want in a quick, feel-good dinner—vibrant, wholesome, and bursting with fresh seasonal flavor. It’s a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again, whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply enjoy a breezy weeknight meal. Go ahead, give it a try, and make it your own!

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