Pasta Primavera with Pesto

Pasta Primavera with Pesto is a vibrant and fresh dish that celebrates seasonal vegetables tossed with al dente pasta and a fragrant basil pesto. This Kosher American dinner is not only colorful but also a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Pasta Primavera with Pesto
30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
American
450 kcal

Ingredients

  • Pasta (penne or fettuccine) - 200 grams
  • Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
  • Zucchini - 1 medium, sliced
  • Bell pepper (red or yellow) - 1 medium, sliced
  • Carrot - 1 medium, julienned
  • Cherry tomatoes - 150 grams, halved
  • Fresh basil - 1 cup, packed
  • Pine nuts - 30 grams, toasted
  • Parmesan cheese (or a Kosher alternative) - 30 grams, grated
  • Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
  • Salt - to taste
  • Black pepper - to taste

Steps

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add the sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  4. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.
  5. In a food processor, combine fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding olive oil if needed to reach desired consistency.
  6. Toss the cooked pasta with the sautéed vegetables and pesto, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a cohesive sauce.
  7. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Carbs: 60 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.
  • Contains healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts.

Tags

AmericanKosherDinner