Weeknight Pasta Primavera with Garlic-Parmesan Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish featuring seasonal vegetables in a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 540 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 540 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup diced zucchini and 1 cup diced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until tender but still crisp, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated parmesan, and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water and toss until creamy.
  7. Step 7: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Weeknight Pasta Primavera with Garlic-Parmesan Sauce 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 Weeknight Pasta Primavera with Garlic-Parmesan Sauce?

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 Weeknight Pasta Primavera with Garlic-Parmesan Sauce?

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 Weeknight Pasta Primavera with Garlic-Parmesan Sauce 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 Weeknight Pasta Primavera with Garlic-Parmesan Sauce?

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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