Primavera translates in English to Spring. So, Pasta Primavera simply means “Spring Pasta.” If you’re a gardener, you can pull inspiration from what’s growing in your backyard. We highly recommend you make this pasta with fresh-grown tomatoes, asparagus, and spinach. We know not everyone loves their veggies, but this pasta dish will make you a believer!
For more light pasta recipes, try our 15 Minute Easy Pasta Fresca.

Why Our Recipe
- An easy pasta dish made in only 20 minutes!
- Light and fresh and loaded with veggies like asparagus and artichoke hearts.
- Customize this dish with our suggestions below! Swap out veggies you don’t love or add a protein!
Sometimes you just want a bit more substance to your pasta. If you love a really creamy sauce, you can easily turn this into an extra creamy pasta primavera by adding 1 cup of heavy cream to this recipe. Allow it to heat through and then add the lemon juice and parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Whichever variation you prefer, this is sure to be a hit!
Ingredient Notes
- Penne Pasta: Just use from the box and cook to al dente.
- Olive Oil: Use a light, neutral oil to sauté veggies. You can also use avocado or vegetable oil.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic does work too. Jarred just has a less sweet, slightly more bitter flavor.
- Red Onion: Feel free to substitute with white or yellow onions based on your preference.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Either of these works. Cut them in half or quarters for the perfect bite. You can even use a mix of yellow and red tomatoes.
- Asparagus: Make sure to rinse and trim, cutting in 2-inch, bite-sized pieces.
- Artichoke Hearts: Drain and rinse before cooking. Feel free to chop up for smaller pieces, or throw them in whole!
- Frozen Peas: Frozen peas are so easy and convenient. They cook well in the skillet with no need to thaw beforehand.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch!
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives you the best texture and melts better without de-clumping additives.
Add Some Protein!
Looking for a more substantial meal? Grilled chicken or shrimp are delicious in pasta primavera. Season the chicken or shrimp with salt and pepper, and sauté in butter or olive oil until cooked. Add to the pan when everything else is finished cooking. Or, try my recipe for Chicken Pasta Primavera.
Veggie Options
Pasta Primavera is all about spring veggies. You can mix and match with as many different spring vegetables as you like. Spring vegetables include: artichokes, asparagus, carrots, fava beans, leeks, morel mushrooms, peas, potatoes, radishes, ramps, scallions, and spinach.
Pasta Options
You can use any shape of pasta that you’d like. Penne has a similar shape to the vegetables you add to the dish, making it convenient and easy to eat, but don’t be afraid to switch things up with any shaped pasta you like. Other pasta options that would work well with this recipe include farfalle (bow tie), shells, or cavatappi.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat portions in the microwave on high in 30-second increments.
This looks not only easy to make. Also Rachael can I share with you that I will being this dish soon.
This dish will diffidently be a a family plesure.
Thank you and take care
Nazzarena
Be sure to come back and let me know what you think!
This is the BEST recipe ever for my vegetarian family!!!
Love this. I might make it tonight but instead of asparagus, I’m adding fresh spinach. 🤔👍
That’ll be a great addition!
Had a bunch of asparagus to use so made this with a combination of asparagus, red peppers and peas. It passed the kid test! My 6 year old had about 4 servings! A great way to use the combination of CSA veggies.
Love that! I do love using a CSA box too. And if your 6-year-old went back for four servings, you know it’s a winner!
Another awesome recipe from my favorite website!
I opted for the creamy version and it was fabulous! I added the tomatoes and artichokes too early so they kind of got lost in the dish. Will definitely be doing this one again. Just be sure you don’t overcook the tomatoes and artichokes.
Thank you!
Easy recipe! I used vegetables I had on hand and added shrimp.
I made this, doubled the vegetables, added a little extra parm and it is delicious. Thank you for the recipe.