1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water—this is essential for flavorful pasta! Add your pasta and cook until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions suggest. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the vegetables.

2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and asparagus pieces first, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain their bright color. Next, add the zucchini and yellow squash, cooking for another 2 minutes until they begin to become tender. Add the bell peppers and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes more. The vegetables should be crisp-tender—they’ll continue cooking slightly in the next steps.

3. Create the Sauce: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the empty space. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the oil and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This blooms the flavors in the oil without burning the garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth and lemon juice, then stir everything together, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.

4. Combine and Finish: Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook just until they begin to soften, about 1 minute. Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together, adding small amounts of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce that coats everything beautifully. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and continue tossing until the cheese melts and helps bind the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in the fresh basil. Transfer your Pasta Primavera to a large serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a few extra basil leaves for visual appeal. Serve immediately while still hot, passing extra Parmesan at the table for those who desire more cheese.