Spring Veggie California Pasta

Name: Spring Veggie California Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz fusilli pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup snap peas, trimmed; 1 bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Fast Weeknight Recipes

I love creating vibrant, seasonal dishes, and this Spring Veggie California Pasta always brings a refreshing taste to the table. With a mix of colorful vegetables and a light lemon-garlic sauce, this pasta dish is my go-to for quick dinners during the warm months. It’s not only healthy but bursts with flavor. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or enjoying a quiet meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Grab your favorite pasta and let’s cook up a delightful springtime dish!

Created by

Luca

Last updated on 2026-02-04T15:41:27.907Z

When I first created this Spring Veggie California Pasta, I wanted something that captured the fresh essence of spring. The bright colors of snap peas, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers make it visually stunning and, as we’ve found, the vibrant flavors amplify the experience. Pairing it with a hint of lemon elevates the dish to a whole new level!

One tip I’ve learned is to sauté the vegetables just until they’re tender-crisp, maintaining their crunch and maximizing flavor. This way, each bite is filled with a medley of textures and tastes. The dish truly shines with a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving, sealing in that springtime feeling!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful combination of fresh, seasonal vegetables
Light and zesty lemon-garlic sauce that enhances flavors
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

Understanding the Ingredients

The blend of vegetables in this Spring Veggie California Pasta contributes significantly to the overall brightness of the dish. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor, while snap peas introduce a delightful crunch. When choosing your bell pepper, opt for a red or yellow variety for maximum sweetness. For a spicier kick, you can experiment with a jalapeño or Fresno pepper, finely diced, to elevate the dish without overwhelming the fresh flavors.

Quality olive oil is crucial in this recipe, as it enhances the flavor profile while providing a light texture. Extra virgin olive oil is my choice for its robust flavor and health benefits. When sautéing the garlic, be mindful not to let it brown, as this can introduce a bitter taste to your sauce. Instead, look for just a golden hue that indicates the garlic is fragrant and ready for the addition of the other vegetables.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

To achieve perfectly cooked fusilli pasta, it’s essential to follow the package instructions closely and taste for doneness about a minute before the time is up. The pasta should be al dente, meaning it is tender but still has a slight bite. This texture is particularly important as it allows the pasta to better hold onto the lemon-garlic sauce and sautéed vegetables, enhancing the overall eating experience.

When combining the pasta with the vegetables, it’s beneficial to use tongs or a large serving fork to toss everything together gently. This technique helps prevent the pasta from breaking while ensuring that every bite is coated evenly with the zesty sauce. If the mixture seems dry after tossing, adding a splash of reserved pasta cooking water can help create a glossy consistency that clings to the dish beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your Spring Veggie California Pasta.

Ingredients

12 oz fusilli pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup snap peas, trimmed
1 bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to whip up your delicious Spring Veggie California Pasta!

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the bell pepper and snap peas, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.

Combine and Season

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss in cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and heat through.

Serve

Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy your colorful Spring Veggie California Pasta!

Enjoy your pasta dish and feel the essence of spring in every bite!

Pro Tips

For an even heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also replace the vegetables with your favorites, making it versatile for any season.

Storage Tips

This Spring Veggie California Pasta is an ideal candidate for meal prep. After cooking, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-5 days. To refresh the pasta before serving, just reheat it in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or water over medium heat, stirring until warmed through. This helps restore its texture and prevents it from becoming sticky.

For longer storage, consider freezing the pasta. After cooking, cool it and portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it in a skillet or microwave, adding a dash of water or olive oil if necessary for moisture.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli would all make fantastic additions, each bringing its unique flavor and texture to the dish. If you prefer protein, grilled chicken or shrimp can be added for a heartier meal, cooking them separately and tossing them in just before serving.

For a vegan version, ensure that your pasta is egg-free and consider adding nutritional yeast to impart a cheesy flavor without dairy. This adds a nice umami punch to the dish and can make it even more satisfying, especially for those looking to expand their plant-based meals.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole grain pasta?

Absolutely! Whole grain pasta works well and adds more fiber to the dish.

→ What vegetables can I substitute?

Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli.

→ Is this dish vegan?

Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based as it contains no animal products.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. Just combine and cook when you're ready.