Pasta Primavera is a colorful dish filled with fresh veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. It’s light and tasty, perfect for anyone who loves a burst of flavor!
Honestly, it feels like a party on a plate. I love how quick it is to whip up—just toss everything together with your favorite pasta, and you’re good to go! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: While penne is a great choice, you can swap it for any pasta shape like fusilli or farfalle. For a gluten-free option, look for brown rice or chickpea pasta. Using whole wheat pasta can also boost the fiber content!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives rich flavor, but if you want a lighter option, avocado oil works well too. For a nutty twist, try sesame oil. Just keep in mind the cooking temperature, as some oils have lower smoke points.
Vegetables: The beauty of Pasta Primavera is its flexibility. You can use vegetables like asparagus, snap peas, or carrots instead. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on how firm or tender you like your veggies.
Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or even a plant-based cream like coconut cream. For a dairy-free option, you could blend silken tofu with a bit of milk for creaminess without the dairy.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds that nice salty flavor, but any good quality grated cheese will work. Pecorino Romano is a tasty alternative. Nutritional yeast can be a fabulous dairy-free substitute that adds a cheesy flavor, too!
How Do You Sauté Vegetables to Keep Them Crisp?
Sautéing vegetables is all about the right technique to keep that crunch! Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough before adding the oil. Here’s how to get it right:
- Heat your skillet on medium heat before pouring in the olive oil.
- Add onions and garlic first; cook until softened but not browned.
- Next, throw in the harder veggies like broccoli; they need more time. After a couple of minutes, add softer veggies like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Stir frequently for even cooking and to prevent burning. You want them tender but with a bit of crunch left.
Basically, don’t overcrowd the pan! This helps veggies cook evenly and keep their vibrant colors. Enjoy your beautiful Pasta Primavera!
How to Make Pasta Primavera?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pasta Primavera will take about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and sautéing the vegetables, then another 10-15 minutes making the creamy sauce and bringing it all together. It’s a quick and colorful meal that’s sure to please!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them together until the onion turns translucent, which will take about 2-3 minutes. The aroma will be wonderful!
3. Add Remaining Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add colorful veggies! Toss in the broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, and bell pepper. Continue to cook these until they’re tender but still have a bit of bite, roughly 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly.
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors together. If it gets too thick, just add a little of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, add your cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated in that creamy, cheesy sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste, making sure it’s delicious!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is well mixed, remove your skillet from heat. Garnish your Pasta Primavera with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, and enjoy your vibrant and tasty meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the type of pasta you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch for thickness. For a dairy-free alternative, unsweetened coconut milk or a nut-based cream can work well, though the flavor may differ slightly.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of water or extra cream to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Pasta Primavera is very versatile, so feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, peas, or asparagus based on your preference. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times to ensure all vegetables remain crisp and delicious!
