Indulge in a flavorful and nutritious pasta dish with this Pasta Primavera recipe. Made with wholesome ingredients like Italian turkey sausage, colorful vegetables, and al dente pasta, this dish is a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and carbs. The Italian flavors from the sausage complement the freshness of the vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that is sure to impress. Prepare this dish in just under 30 minutes and enjoy a delightful dinner with your loved ones.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian turkey sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sausage and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Pasta Primavera hot, sprinkled with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Interesting Facts
Pasta Primavera was created in the 1970s by Sirio Maccioni, the owner of Le Cirque restaurant in New York City.
The term 'primavera' means 'spring' in Italian, reflecting the dish's use of fresh and seasonal vegetables.
Using whole wheat pasta in this recipe adds extra fiber and nutrients to the dish, making it a healthier option.
Italian turkey sausage is a leaner alternative to traditional pork sausage, reducing the overall fat content of the dish.