Description

This Spring Pasta Primavera is a delightful dish that combines fresh vegetables and penne tossed in a light lemon cream sauce. It’s quick to prepare and simply bursting with flavor. Perfect for a healthy meal or a quick dinner your family will adore!

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook for 11 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté asparagus, yellow bell pepper, and broccoli for 2-3 minutes. Then add zucchini and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until vegetables are tender but crisp. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a large plate.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced shallot and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes. Then stir in lemon zest and vegetable broth, simmering until the broth reduces by half, about 4-5 minutes. Mix in heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Add frozen peas to the pot of pasta, followed by the cooked vegetables. Pour the lemon cream sauce over the mixture, stirring to combine. Stir in parmesan cheese and the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice. Gently fold in halved grape tomatoes and chopped basil, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Transfer the pasta primavera to a large serving bowl. Garnish with parsley, extra parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes before serving warm.

Notes

Use seasonal vegetables for the freshest taste.
Feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta type or add protein for a heartier meal.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 40mg