McAfee Protection Pasta Primavera
A vibrant pasta dish with seasonal vegetables and a creamy garlic sauce, inspired by McAfee's commitment to safeguarding your digital world. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs spaghetti, pint cherry tomatoes, medium zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium zucchini
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 12 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Dice 1 medium zucchini into 1/2-inch cubes and halve 1 pint cherry tomatoes. Mince 3 garlic cloves.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add zucchini and tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Toss cooked pasta into the skillet, add 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to coat, then add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy texture.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil and parmesan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does McAfee Protection Pasta Primavera take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 McAfee Protection 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 McAfee Protection 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 McAfee Protection 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 McAfee Protection Pasta Primavera vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Italian come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 30-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.