How to Make Pesto Penne Primavera - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that's perfect for any occasion, then look no further than Pesto Penne Primavera. This dish is a mouthwatering combination of al dente penne pasta, vibrant and crunchy vegetables, and a rich and aromatic pesto sauce that will please even the pickiest of palates.

Primavera, in Italian, means "spring," and this dish truly encapsulates the freshness and vibrancy of the season. With a medley of colorful vegetables such as bell pepper...

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups mini penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 1 cup chopped asparagus
  • ½ cup sliced zucchini
  • ½ cup sliced Kalamata olives
  • ½ cup diced roasted red pepper
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Servings: 8

  • Make pesto: Combine basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor; blend until well combined and consistency is that of fresh pesto.
  • Start pasta: Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook penne in boiling water until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil over the pasta and toss to coat.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts and toss in hot oil until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes; remove to a plate and set aside.
  • Add asparagus, zucchini, olives, red pepper, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet; cook and stir until hot, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir pine nuts into the vegetable mixture.
  • Add cooked pasta and about 1/4 cup of the pesto, or more to your liking, to the skillet and toss to combine.
  • Serve in bowls topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Nutrition

    368 cal.

    • Total Fat: 21g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 9mg
    • Sodium: 413mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 34g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 13g
    • Vitamin C: 14mg
    • Calcium: 144mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 296mg