Pasta Primavera Recipe
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite seasonal vegetables or protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp. Pasta Primavera is a versatile and flavorful dish that celebrates the freshness of spring vegetables. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340g pasta of your choice (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers thinly sliced (use a mix of colors for visual appeal)
- 1 cup zucchini thinly sliced
- 1 cup yellow squash thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes optional, for added heat
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, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Prepare the Vegetables:In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.Add the cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, bell peppers, zucchini, and yellow squash to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Sauce:Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and parsley. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: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:Garnish the Pasta Primavera with additional chopped basil and parsley. If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for added heat.Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious and colorful Pasta Primavera!