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Creamy Pasta Primavera with fresh vegetables and herbs

Creamy Pasta Primavera

A comforting dish featuring tender pasta, a medley of seasonal vegetables, and a silky cream sauce, perfect for spring evenings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Vegetarian
Servings 3 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne) Fettuccine gives a luxurious mouthfeel; penne holds the sauce well.
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, broccoli) Use whatever is seasonal and crisp. Snap peas, asparagus, or baby spinach are lovely additions in spring.

Cream Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream For a silkier sauce, avoid boiling for too long.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for better melting.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the garlic and vegetables.
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced) Watch closely to avoid burning.
  • 1 lemon juiced and zested Both juice and zest keep the dish light.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Parmesan is salty, taste before over-salting.
  • Fresh herbs (basil or parsley) for garnish For a finishing touch.

Instructions
 

Cooking the Pasta

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Tip: Save 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining for sauce binding.

Preparing the Sauce

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Tip: Reduce heat if garlic starts to burn.
  • Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Tip: For deeper flavor, roast vegetables at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes.
  • Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer.
  • Tip: Keep the heat low to prevent cream from separating.
  • Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth.
  • Tip: Add cheese gradually and stir constantly.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining

  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
  • Tip: Gently fold the pasta into the sauce using tongs.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
Keyword Creamy Pasta, Pasta Primavera, Quick Meals, Spring Recipes, Vegetable Pasta
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