Gummy Bear & Berry Pasta Primavera

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A playful twist on classic pasta with colorful gummy bears and fresh seasonal vegetables, perfect for picky eaters who love sweet and savory combos. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs fettuccine pasta, (assorted colors) gummy bears, medium, thinly sliced red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

★ 4.6 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 medium sliced zucchini and 1/2 medium sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup white wine and 1/4 cup vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes until liquid reduces by half.
  5. Step 5: Add 1/2 cup gummy bears to the skillet and stir gently until melted and glossy, about 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Add drained pasta to the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to coat, adding more water if needed to create a light sauce.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until flavors meld and sauce coats pasta evenly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Gummy Bear & Berry Pasta Primavera take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Gummy Bear & Berry 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 fettuccine pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gummy Bear & Berry 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 Gummy Bear & Berry 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.

What goes well with Gummy Bear & Berry Pasta Primavera?

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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