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As the seasons shift and summer blooms in full swing, our culinary cravings turn towards fresh, vibrant ingredients that embody the beauty and bounty of the outdoors. One such dish that perfectly captures this essence is the Sunny Garden Delight Pasta. This delightful recipe showcases a medley of colorful vegetables, making it not just a feast for the palate but also a visual delight. With its bright hues and fresh flavors, this pasta dish invites you to savor the joys of summer through every bite.

Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Is (Almost) Too Good to Be True

Brighten up your dinner with this Sunny Garden Delight Pasta! This vibrant dish combines al dente linguine with fresh summer veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty lemon and basil sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the perfect quick meal bursting with flavor. Add some Parmesan for creaminess and crushed red pepper flakes for a kick. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests! Enjoy a slice of summer on your plate!
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Ingredients
  

12 ounces linguine or spaghetti

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 yellow squash, diced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest. Set aside.

    Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

      Add Summer Veggies: Next, add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the tomatoes start to break down.

        Combine Pasta and Veggies: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.

          Season It Up: Stir in the fresh basil, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through. For added spice, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

            Serve: Serve the pasta piping hot in bowls, garnished with extra basil, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4