Fresh Spring Pasta Primavera with Feta is a light, colorful, and veggie-packed pasta dish that celebrates the best produce of the season. Featuring tender-crisp vegetables, a zesty lemony dressing, and creamy crumbles of feta cheese, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or weekend lunch that feels both healthy and indulgent.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pastazucchinisnap peasasparaguscherrytomatoescarrotsextremely thinly sliced red onionsgarlicolive oillemon juicelemon zestfeta cheesefresh basilfresh parsleycrushed red pepper flakes (optional)saltblack pepper

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add garlic and sliced onions, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Toss in carrots, asparagus, and snap peas. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until just tender.

Add zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the tomatoes soften slightly.

Turn off the heat and add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together.

Stir in lemon juice, zest, reserved pasta water (as needed), and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Crumble in feta cheese and toss gently to combine.

Garnish with fresh basil and parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use goat cheese instead of feta for a tangier flavor.

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.

Use gluten-free pasta to make it celiac-friendly.

Try other seasonal veggies like spinach, peas, or bell peppers.

Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or almonds on top for added crunch.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

FAQs

Can I serve this pasta cold?

Yes, it makes a delicious pasta salad when served chilled.

Is feta cheese necessary?

It adds creaminess and tang, but you can substitute with goat cheese, parmesan, or omit for a dairy-free version.

Can I prep the veggies ahead of time?

Absolutely—chop and store them in the fridge up to 2 days in advance.

How do I keep the veggies crisp?

Sauté them just until tender and avoid overcooking to preserve texture.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the feta for up to 1 month.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, farfalle, or rotini holds the veggies well, but spaghetti or linguine also work great.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, it is fully vegetarian as written.

Can I make it vegan?

Swap the feta with a vegan alternative or omit it entirely.

Does this dish taste lemony?

Yes, it has a fresh citrus kick, but you can reduce the lemon juice if you prefer a subtler flavor.

Conclusion

Fresh Spring Pasta Primavera with Feta is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings the essence of spring to your plate. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a colorful addition to your weekly meal plan, this recipe delivers on flavor, freshness, and comfort—all in under 30 minutes.