Golden Garlic Parmesan Pasta Primavera
A light yet satisfying pasta dish featuring fresh spring vegetables and a fragrant garlic-herb sauce that clings perfectly to al dente noodles. This italian-inspired pasta (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 medium, spiralized or thinly sliced zucchini
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium spiralized zucchini and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta to the skillet, then sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tsp salt. Toss gently while adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined and the cheese is melted.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Golden Garlic Parmesan Pasta Primavera take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Golden Garlic Parmesan Pasta Primavera?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Golden Garlic Parmesan Pasta Primavera?
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 Golden Garlic Parmesan Pasta Primavera 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.
Is Golden Garlic Parmesan Pasta Primavera gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
