Description

This Spring Pasta Primavera is a delightful dish packed with fresh vegetables, penne pasta, and a light lemon cream sauce. It’s not only flavorful but also simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a healthy and quick dinner that your family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 oz asparagus, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
2 cups small broccoli florets
1 small zucchini, chopped
salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 shallot, minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
zest of 1 lemon
dash crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup vegetable broth
½ cup heavy cream
3 tablespoon lemon juice, divided
1 cup frozen peas
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups halved grape tomatoes
¼ cup chopped basil
2 tablespoons italian parsley, for garnish
extra parmesan cheese, for garnish
crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and pasta; cook for 11 minutes while stirring occasionally. Drain and return pasta to the pot.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Sauté asparagus, peppers, and broccoli for 2-3 minutes. Add zucchini and cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring veggies remain crisp. Transfer to a plate or bowl.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic; cook for 2 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and vegetable broth. Simmer until reduced by half, about 4-5 minutes. Add heavy cream and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
Add peas to the pot with pasta, and mix in cooked vegetables. Pour lemon cream sauce over and stir until combined. Mix in Parmesan cheese and remaining lemon juice. Gently fold in tomatoes and basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer pasta primavera to a serving bowl. Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes. Serve warm.

Notes

For more flavor, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp.
Feel free to substitute seasonal vegetables based on availability.
The dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 410
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg