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A bowl of pasta salad with rotini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, peas, chopped red onion, zucchini, and fresh basil leaves. A bottle of olive oil is in the background.

Best Vegan Pasta Primavera Recipe

I love how quickly Pasta Primavera comes together, I can throw all my veggies in and it's ready in 30 minutes! The whole family loves it and because it's so fresh and colorful, it makes a great side at a gathering or potluck.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Pasta Primavera
Servings: 4
Calories: 473kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

Ingredients

  • 3 cups short pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 zucchini sliced in half moons
  • 1 bunch asparagus trimmed
  • 1 cup peas
  • ½ red onion sliced
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Fresh basil leaves
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Make the pasta according to package directions. Reserve.
    3 cups short pasta
  • Heat a big skillet to medium and add the olive oil, add all the veggies, cook until tender - just a couple of minutes.
    2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 garlic cloves, 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, 1 zucchini, 1 cup peas, ½ red onion, 1 bunch asparagus
  • In a big bowl, add the pasta, veggies, cheese, lemon zest and juice, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
    1 lemon, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • Serve with fresh basil leaves.
    Fresh basil leaves

Notes

  • Veggie Versatility: Primavera thrives on customization! Don't have asparagus? Swap it for broccoli florets. Short on zucchini? Try sliced mushrooms or bell peppers. Use what's fresh and in season for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Don't Drown Your Dish: Resist the urge to overcook your vegetables. They should be crisp-tender, not mushy. A light sear enhances their sweetness and avoids a watery sauce.
  • Pasta Perfection: Save some pasta water before draining! This starchy liquid is gold when it comes to creating a silky smooth sauce. Add a splash or two to your Primavera if it seems a little dry, tossing everything together until perfectly combined.
  • Cheese Substitutes: Vegan Parmesan adds a classic touch, but feel free to explore! Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy, nutty flavor.
  • Short Pasta is King: While any pasta will work in a pinch, short shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli tend to hold the sauce best, creating those awesome flavor-packed bites.
  • Garlic Galore: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your preference. Minced garlic adds a pungent bite, while sliced garlic will mellow slightly as it cooks.
  • Fresh is Best, But Frozen Works in a Pinch: Frozen peas are a perfectly acceptable substitute for fresh and can be added directly to the pan during the last minute of cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 473kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 229mg | Potassium: 650mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1022IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 207mg | Iron: 3mg
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