Pasta Primavera is a colorful dish packed with fresh veggies and pasta. It’s light, tasty, and perfect for any meal! You’ll love the crunch of the vegetables mixed with the soft noodles.
I think it’s great for using up leftover veggies in your fridge. Plus, you can switch up the pasta type if you’re feeling adventurous. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is the base of the dish, but you can swap it with any pasta you love. Fusilli or spaghetti work well too. For a gluten-free option, try brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta.
Olive Oil: A great choice for cooking and flavor. If you’re low on it, avocado oil or canola oil are decent substitutes. Each brings a slightly different taste, so keep that in mind!
Vegetables: This recipe is all about fresh veggies! If you don’t have broccoli or snap peas, use green beans or asparagus. The key is to pick colorful vegetables for a vibrant dish!
Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the sauce, but you could use half-and-half for a lighter option or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just note that it may change the flavor a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: It brings a lovely sharpness to the dish. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast works for a vegan alternative.
How Do You Sauté Vegetables to Keep Them Crisp?
Sautéing vegetables correctly is key to keeping them tender yet crisp. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your olive oil over medium heat before adding ingredients. This helps the veggies cook evenly.
- Add the garlic first for flavor. Cook it only until fragrant, about 30 seconds!
- Next, add hard veggies like broccoli and bell peppers first, cooking for 3-4 minutes before adding softer ones like zucchini.
- Stir the mix gently and keep an eye on the timing. You want a vibrant color and a little crunch.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfect veggies that add great texture to your Pasta Primavera!
How to Make Pasta Primavera?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup snap peas or green peas
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Pasta Primavera will take about 20 minutes to prepare. That includes cooking the pasta and sautéing the vegetables. It’s a quick, colorful dish that’s perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. You’re almost there!
2. Sauté the Garlic and Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it starts to smell amazing. Then, add the broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and snap peas. Cook these delicious veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp. Yum!
3. Add the Cherry Tomatoes:
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook them for an additional 2 minutes. They’ll soften up a little bit and add wonderful flavor to the mix.
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring everything to combine. Let this simmer for just one minute so it all merges together beautifully.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
It’s time for the star of the show! Add the cooked penne pasta and grated Parmesan cheese right into the skillet. Mix everything together well, making sure the pasta is nicely coated with the creamy sauce and the colorful vegetables.
6. Season and Garnish:
Give your pasta a taste and sprinkle in some salt and pepper as needed. Once you’re happy with the flavor, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley on top before serving.
And there you have it! A delightful, fresh Pasta Primavera that’s easy to make and sure to impress!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, you can swap it for other types like fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can use half-and-half or whole milk instead, though the sauce may be a bit thinner. For a thicker consistency, mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour to your milk and heat until it thickens before adding to the pasta.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or additional cream in a skillet over low heat to keep the pasta from drying out while warming.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you like, such as spinach, asparagus, or carrots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times based on the vegetables you choose to keep everything crunchy yet tender!
