Which One Is the Best Pasta Primavera

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tossed with seasonal vegetables and a silky garlic-herb sauce, this pasta dish is the undisputed champion of healthy weeknight dinners. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs fettuccine pasta, medium, thinly sliced zucchini, chopped into florets broccoli for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 3.8 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 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 fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium thinly sliced zucchini and 1 cup chopped broccoli; sauté for 5 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and garlic is golden.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup vegetable broth and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add drained fettuccine to the skillet with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss for 2 minutes until pasta is evenly coated and sauce clings to strands.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Which One Is the Best Pasta Primavera 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 Which One Is the Best 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 Which One Is the Best 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 Which One Is the Best 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 Which One Is the Best 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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