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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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!