Vegan Pasta Primavera is a delightful dish that brings together the freshness of colorful vegetables and the comforting texture of pasta. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party. Its vibrant colors and rich flavors make it a feast for the eyes and the taste buds alike. You will love how simple it is to prepare while still being packed with nutrients. It’s a dish that embodies the essence of spring, showcasing the best seasonal produce in a light, creamy sauce.
Why We Love This Vegan Pasta Primavera Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this Vegan Pasta Primavera. First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile; you can customize it based on the vegetables in your fridge or your personal tastes. This dish is not only packed with flavor but is also a fantastic way to sneak in a variety of vegetables, making it a nutritious choice for the whole family. Additionally, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes, which makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights. The creamy oat milk sauce, coupled with the zesty lemon and nutritional yeast, gives it a delightful richness without the use of any dairy. You’ll find that the combination of ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that you will cherish in every bite.
Ingredients for Vegan Pasta Primavera
To make the most delightful Vegan Pasta Primavera, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups dry rigatoni pasta or pasta of your choice
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil (or as needed to coat the pan)
- 1 cup chopped asparagus (1-inch pieces)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 medium zucchini (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 medium shallot (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced or grated)
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel (optional)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup plain unsweetened oat milk (preferably full fat extra creamy)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil and parsley leaves (for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for garnish)
- Chopped walnuts (for garnish)
- Lemon (for garnish)
How to Make Vegan Pasta Primavera Directions
Creating your Vegan Pasta Primavera is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Just follow these simple steps to achieve a delicious dish.
Prepare the Pasta: Begin by bringing a six-quart (or larger) pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice, such as rigatoni, and cook it for about 12 minutes or until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, pour grapeseed oil into a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Tilt the skillet until it is evenly coated. Add in the chopped asparagus, red bell pepper, zucchini, snow peas, frozen peas, and cherry tomatoes. Cover the skillet and let the vegetables cook for around seven minutes until they are tender yet still crisp. Don’t forget to season them with salt and pepper to taste. After cooking, transfer the vegetables to a bowl or plate and set them aside.
Create the Sauce: In the same skillet that you used for the vegetables, pour in a bit more grapeseed oil, tilting the pan again to coat it evenly. Add in the diced shallot and cook for about three minutes or until it becomes translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated lemon peel (if using) and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the vegetable broth and let it simmer uncovered for about eight minutes or until the volume reduces by half. Follow this by stirring in the oat milk, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan (if you wish), and continue cooking until the sauce becomes hot and no longer streaky.
Combine Everything: Now it’s time to bring all the elements together. Add the cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables back into the skillet and gently stir everything until the pasta and veggies are thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce and everything is heated through.
Serve the Dish: Finally, transfer your beautiful pasta primavera mixture to a serving dish. Spoon any remaining sauce on top and garnish with fresh basil and parsley leaves, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan cheese, chopped walnuts, and even a lemon wedge, if desired.
How to Serve Vegan Pasta Primavera
Serving Vegan Pasta Primavera is all about showcasing its vibrant colors and flavors. You can enjoy it as a main dish, accompanied by a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Consider setting the table with beautiful plates and perhaps some decorative garnishes to make the meal even more inviting. This dish is also perfect for meal prep; simply divide it into portions and store them in containers for quick and healthy lunches during the week. If you want to elevate the experience, pair the pasta with a refreshing beverage, like sparkling water or a homemade lemon iced tea.
Expert Tips: Vegan Pasta Primavera
To make your Vegan Pasta Primavera even better, here are some expert tips:
Vegetable Variety: Don’t hesitate to get creative with the vegetables! While the recipe suggests asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini, feel free to throw in other seasonal favorites – broccoli, carrots, or even eggplant work beautifully.
Ingredient Substitutions: If you can’t find grapeseed oil, other neutral oils like canola or sunflower oil will work as well. Additionally, to boost the protein content, you could consider adding some chickpeas or lentils.
Make it Spicier: If you enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking the vegetables.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the dish’s flavor. If you have them on hand, consider adding parsley, basil, or even a touch of mint to your final presentation.
Bread Crumbs: For added texture, you can sprinkle toasted bread crumbs on top before serving for a delightful crunch.
How to Store Vegan Pasta Primavera
Storing Vegan Pasta Primavera properly ensures that you can enjoy its delicious flavors for days to come. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the pasta seems dry after refrigeration, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth or oat milk during reheating to loosen up the sauce.
Variation of Vegan Pasta Primavera
Vegan Pasta Primavera is a dish that begs for creativity and adaptation. Here are a few variations to consider:
Creamy Alfredo Style: Transform your dish into a creamy Alfredo by adding more oat milk and nutritional yeast, and perhaps a bit of vegan cream cheese for extra richness.
Pesto Pasta Primavera: Keep the vegetable medley but stir in fresh basil pesto instead of the creamy sauce for a fresh, herbaceous take.
Oil-Free Variant: If you prefer to go oil-free, skip the oil and use vegetable broth or water for sautéing the vegetables. This keeps the dish lighter while retaining its flavors.
Grilled Veggies: For a smoky twist, grill your vegetables instead of sautéing them. This adds a whole new depth of flavor to your dish.
Add Protein: Mix in cooked tofu, tempeh, or seitan to incorporate some plant-based protein, making this dish even heartier.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Pasta Primavera
What is Vegan Pasta Primavera?
Vegan Pasta Primavera is a flavorful pasta dish made with various fresh vegetables and a creamy sauce, perfect for those who enjoy a plant-based lifestyle.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to enjoy this delicious recipe without gluten.
How can I enhance the flavor of the dish?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs and spices to your taste. Fresh basil, oregano, and black pepper are great additions.
Is Vegan Pasta Primavera easy to prepare?
Yes, it is quite easy to prepare! The steps are straightforward and don’t require advanced cooking skills, making it perfect for cooks of all levels.
Can I meal prep Vegan Pasta Primavera?
Yes, it stores well and makes for excellent meal prep. Just store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to eat.
Vegan Pasta Primavera
Equipment
- Large Pot
- 12-inch Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry rigatoni pasta or pasta of your choice
- 1 Tbsp. grapeseed oil or as needed to coat the pan
- 1 cup chopped asparagus (1-inch pieces)
- 1 red bell pepper chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup snow peas
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium shallot diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1 Tbsp. grated lemon peel optional
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- ½ cup plain unsweetened oat milk preferably full fat extra creamy
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil and parsley leaves for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes for garnish
- Chopped walnuts for garnish
- Lemon for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook for about 12 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a 12-inch skillet, pour in grapeseed oil over medium heat and coat the pan. Add chopped asparagus, red bell pepper, zucchini, snow peas, frozen peas, and cherry tomatoes. Cover and cook for about 7 minutes until tender yet crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the vegetables to a bowl. In the same skillet, add more grapeseed oil and sauté the diced shallot for about 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and grated lemon peel (if using), cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in vegetable broth and simmer uncovered for about 8 minutes until reduced by half. Stir in oat milk, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan, cooking until hot and well-combined.
- Add the cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables back into the skillet, gently stirring until everything is coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, walnuts, and lemon wedges, if desired. Serve warm.
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