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Spring Pasta Primavera

Spring Pasta Primavera: A Creamy Dish Bursting with Freshness

Spring Pasta Primavera celebrates the season with vibrant vegetables and a creamy Parmesan sauce, making it a quick and delightful meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz dry fettuccine pasta can substitute with linguine or spaghetti
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter margarine can be used as a substitute
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour a gluten-free flour blend can replace it
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream half-and-half or evaporated milk can substitute
  • ½ cup 2% or skim milk any milk type works
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese nutritional yeast can replace for dairy-free option
  • 1 tbsp grated lemon zest fresh lemon juice can enhance flavor
  • ¼ cup minced fresh basil dried basil can suffice in a pinch
For the Vegetables
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil use any light vegetable oil if unavailable
  • 1 cup fresh asparagus can substitute with green beans
  • 1 cup fresh broccoli other greens like kale can be used
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms any mushrooms can substitute
  • 1 cup zucchini can be swapped for yellow squash
  • 3 cloves garlic fresh is best, but garlic powder can work
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes grape tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes are good alternatives
  • 2 cups baby spinach can replace with arugula for peppery flavor
  • 1 cup frozen peas fresh peas can also be used when in season
Seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pot
  • Whisk
  • strainer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus, broccoli, sliced mushrooms, and zucchini, sautéing for 3–5 minutes until they are just tender and vibrant in color.
  2. Lower the heat slightly and add minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and frozen peas to the skillet. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cherry tomatoes burst slightly. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dry fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes until al dente. Reserve about ¾ cup of the pasta cooking water; drain the pasta.
  4. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, cooking until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and ½ cup of milk, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
  5. Once thickened, remove from heat and whisk in ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and ¼ cup of minced basil. Stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
  6. Gently fold the cooked fettuccine and sautéed vegetables back into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 75mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure vegetables are cut uniformly for even cooking. Freeze pasta and sauce separately to maintain quality upon reheating.

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