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Easy Colorful Pasta Primavera Recipe with Frozen Veggies for Perfect Weeknight Dinner

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A quick and vibrant pasta primavera using frozen vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines garlic, fresh herbs, and a medley of colorful veggies for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne or farfalle preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
  • ½ cup frozen broccoli florets
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (fresh or frozen)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Add 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables and ½ cup frozen broccoli florets. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until veggies are heated through and crisp-tender.
  4. Stir in ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved ½ cup pasta water. Toss together over low heat for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley and juice of ½ lemon. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to combine.
  7. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.

Notes

Do not thaw frozen veggies before cooking to avoid sogginess. Save some pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta. Avoid burning garlic by sautéing it briefly over moderate heat. For a creamier version, add a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta at the end. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a vegan option.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta primavera, frozen vegetables, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian, vegan option, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/easy-colorful-pasta-primavera-recipe-with-frozen-veggies-for-perfect-weeknight-dinner/