Cooking with Love: The Ultimate Pasta Primavera Recipe
Introduction
Pasta Primavera is a classic Italian pasta dish that celebrates the flavors of spring with an abundance of fresh, seasonal vegetables. This recipe combines colorful veggies, al dente pasta, and a creamy sauce for a dish that’s both delicious and visually stunning, Cooking with Love: The Ultimate Pasta Primavera Recipe.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340g) of your favorite pasta (e.g., fettuccine or linguine)
- Salt for pasta water
For the Primavera Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup green peas
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, and green peas to the skillet.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy vegetable sauce.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
Step 6: Add Fresh Herbs
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped basil and parsley.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serving
- Serve your Pasta Primavera hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Conclusion
Pasta Primavera is a delightful and satisfying dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of spring and summer. It’s a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy this fresh, creamy, and veggie-packed Italian classic!