Description
This vibrant Summer Garden Pasta recipe combines perfectly cooked linguine with a medley of fresh, sautéed summer vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper. Infused with garlic and red pepper flakes, then finished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, this dish is a light, flavorful, and colorful celebration of summer produce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces of linguine or spaghetti pasta
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant to develop flavor without burning.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Toss Pasta and Vegetables: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss to combine evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta without making it watery.
- Add Basil and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil for a burst of herbal freshness. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, mixing gently to distribute.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over, adding a bright citrusy note to each bite.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh, ripe summer vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with a vegetarian-friendly hard cheese if preferred.
- Lemon wedges add a lovely brightness but are optional.
