Lemon Pesto Pasta Primavera with Spring Vegetables
Tossed in a flavorful lemon pesto and packed with colorful spring vegetables, this pesto pasta primavera is the perfect way to use up that fresh spring produce!
Servings 6 servings
Calories 376kcal
Ingredients
Lemon Pesto
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts or almonds)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta Primavera
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced
- 1-1/2 cups asparagus spears, cut into 2-in pieces
- 1-1/2 cups carrots, halved and cut diagonally into 2-in pieces
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 1 cup radishes, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth if non-vegetarian)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
- 12 oz hot spaghetti pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- Additional Parmesan and grated lemon zest for topping, optional
Instructions
Lemon Pesto
- Place basil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts in a food processor or blender and process on high speed drizzling oil through top. Scrape down sides as necessary and blend until pesto is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Pasta Primavera
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until shimmery. Add shallot, asparagus, carrots, snap peas, and radishes. Saute several minutes until vegetables are just softened.
- Reduce heat to medium and add garlic and spinach. Saute 1-2 minutes until spinach is wilted. Add vegetable broth to pan and let vegetables simmer until tender, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add prepared pesto, lemon juice, basil, and cooked spaghetti to vegetables and cook several minutes over medium heat until pasta primavera is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish pasta primavera with additional Parmesan and grated lemon zest on top if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving: 8oz | Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 12.7g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3.6g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 198mg | Potassium: 450mg | Fiber: 2.2g | Sugar: 2.7g | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 4mg