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PASTA PRIMAVERA centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Olivia Farnsworth

Pasta Primavera Recipe: Easy Fresh and Delicious

Savor the bright and fresh flavors of pasta primavera with this easy-to-make recipe. Packed with crisp spring vegetables and a creamy lemon sauce, this pasta primavera is a delightful dish perfect for any season.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 375

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a vigorous boil. Add salt and the penne pasta. Cook the pasta for about 11 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. Once done, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus, yellow bell pepper, and broccoli. Cook these vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring from time to time. Next, add zucchini and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still retain some crunch. Season with salt and black pepper as preferred. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a separate bowl.
  3. Return the skillet to the stove and melt butter over medium heat. Add minced shallot and garlic, cooking for approximately 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest and pour in vegetable broth. Let the mixture simmer, reducing by half in about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add heavy cream along with 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice.
  4. Add the frozen peas directly into the pot with the drained pasta and mix together. Incorporate the sautéed vegetables into the pasta. Pour the prepared lemon cream sauce over everything and mix gently to combine well. Fold in the shredded Parmesan cheese and the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice. Finally, add the grape tomatoes and chopped basil, seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Transfer the completed pasta primavera to a serving bowl or dish. Garnish with chopped Italian parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Serve the dish warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • You can vary the vegetables by including mushrooms, yellow squash, artichoke hearts, carrots, spinach, or kale. Use any pasta shape you like, and substitute gluten-free pasta if needed. For added protein, consider chicken, shrimp, beans, or tofu. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.