Skip to Content
Recipes

Spicy Pasta Primavera to Heat Up Spring

Our contributor shares a recipe for Pasta Primavera that includes a kick from garlic chili sauce and a unique pasta shape.

Spicy Pasta Primavera.

Spicy Pasta Primavera.

Primavera means Spring in Italian, and this spicy pasta primavera recipe can be adapted with whatever spring vegetables you like, including peas, tomatoes, peppers, artichokes, and broccoli rabe.

Regardless of your choice of ingredients, it really is a vibrant, vegetarian dish that can be served warm or cold as a pasta salad in the warmer months.

What makes this spicy pasta primavera recipe unique is the chili garlic sauce added, as well as the cavatappi pasta recommendation. I like the short, spiral cavatappi for this as the vegetables really cling to the shape and texture. The spicy component, which is optional or adaptable (see the recipe note), adds some zing to all of the fresh vegetables and aromatics.

I started making this dish when I was young, and I would help my grandfather pick fresh vegetables from his garden, and I would make this for my family.

Make sure you tag me @Michele7533 so I can see how beautiful your pasta dish turned out using my recipe.

Mangiamo! Let's eat! Ciao for now from Casa Michele’s Kitchen.

Spicy Pasta Primavera

Spicy Pasta Primavera

Recipe by Michele Sessa
5.0 from 2 votes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

12

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. 1/2 Cavatappi (or other pasta shape you like)

  • 1 1 shallot, chopped

  • 1 pinch 1 red pepper flakes

  • 4 cloves 4 garlic, chopped

  • 2 tbsp. 2 extra virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 chopped black olives

  • 1 handful 1 asparagus tips and broccoli florets chopped

  • 1 small 1 zucchini, sliced thick

  • 1/2 jar 1/2 roasted red peppers drained and chopped

  • 1 tsp. 1 of chili garlic sauce or regular hot sauce (or less if you don’t like it spicy)

  • 1 tbsp. 1 dried oregano

  • 1 1 lemon, juiced and zested

  • salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/3 cup 1/3 fresh grated cheese of choice (I like Pecorino Romano)

  • chopped fresh basil for serving

Directions

  • Add the pasta to a large pot of boiling, salted water.
  • Add a tablespoon of EVOO to a large pan.
  • Sauté the shallot with red pepper flakes for a few minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Add all the vegetables and olives and cook to desired firmness.
  • Sprinkle with oregano and add the juice and lemon zest.
  • Transfer the pasta, when al dente, to the pan, evenly coat it with the mixture.
  • Plate on your serving dish and top with a dusting of grated cheese, a drizzle more of olive oil and fresh basil.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @appetitomagazine on Instagram and hashtag it with #italianfoodanddrink

Like this recipe?

Follow @Appetitomagazine on Pinterest

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Facebook

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Appetito Hosts “In the Name of the Pizza” in New York City

Appetito's Andrew Cotto hosted an event in NYC to launch the Pizza for a Smile initiative of Italian tenor Luciano the Monarch.

April 30, 2026

Matty Matheson, Everyday Magic, and the Italianita’ of Mushrooms

The Mushroom Council’s campaign, featuring Matty Matheson, reflects Italian cooking, where simple ingredients create strong flavor.

April 30, 2026

Essere Come il Prezzemolo: The Herb That Ends Up Everywhere

In Italian cooking, the most modest herb becomes a measure of presence.

April 29, 2026

The Negroni Sbagliato Is the “Mistake” You Want to Make

Our Editor-in-Chief shares the origins of the Negroni Sbagliato and his favorite way to enjoy this "mistaken" cocktail.

April 29, 2026

Italianity: The Culture of Italian Wine Explained

Winemaker Andrea Lonardi and writer Jessica Dupuy on their new book Italianity: The Culture of Italian Wine and the common thread that runs through every bottle.

April 28, 2026

Amatriciana at Roscioli: A Classic Roman Recipe

At Roscioli, amatriciana reveals how a few ingredients, handled with precision, can create something deeply layered.

April 28, 2026
See all posts