Battery-Long Pasta Primavera with Parmesan

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant spring vegetable pasta with a light garlic-parmesan sauce that holds up to multiple servings. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs fusilli pasta, medium, thinly sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.7 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fusilli pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp black pepper, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 thinly sliced zucchini and 1 bunch trimmed asparagus. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
  5. Step 5: Add drained fusilli to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta and thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with 1 tsp salt and additional black pepper to taste.
  7. Step 7: Let sit for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving with extra Parmesan for garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Battery-Long Pasta Primavera with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Battery-Long Pasta Primavera with Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fusilli pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Battery-Long Pasta Primavera with Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Battery-Long Pasta Primavera with Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Battery-Long Pasta Primavera with Parmesan?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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