Healthy pasta recipes with vegetables “Vegetable Primavera Pasta”
Vegetable Primavera Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that features a variety of fresh spring vegetables. It’s a great way to celebrate the season’s bounty and create a delicious, colorful pasta meal. Here’s a basic recipe for Vegetable Primavera Pasta:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) of your choice of pasta (such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
For the Primavera Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (you can also use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Primavera Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, vegetable broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red onion, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Veggies:
- Add the red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and snap peas to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta:
- Pour the prepared Primavera sauce over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Toss with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve the Vegetable Primavera Pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
This Vegetable Primavera Pasta is a delightful way to enjoy a variety of seasonal vegetables in a creamy and tangy sauce. It’s perfect for a spring or summer meal, and you can customize it by using your favorite pasta shape and vegetables. Enjoy!