Description
Creamy Pasta Primavera Recipe
Ingredients:
12 oz pasta (farfalle, penne, or shells)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (red & yellow)
1 cup snap peas, trimmed
1 cup bell peppers, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Stir in snap peas, bell peppers, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Add cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
Make the Sauce:
Pour in heavy cream, stir, and let it simmer.
Mix in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything:
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated.
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve warm and enjoy!
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof Creamy Pasta Primavera. First, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, reserving one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Meanwhile, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the harder vegetables first: the snap peas and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for just 1-2 minutes more to warm them through slightly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into a smooth sauce. Finish the sauce with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until your desired consistency is reached.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile pasta dish pairs beautifully with several sides. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. To add protein, top with grilled chicken breast, sautéed shrimp, or cannellini beans. For a finishing touch, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, a crack of black pepper, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
How-to Summary
In short: Cook pasta al dente, reserving some water. Sauté garlic and veggies (hardest first) in olive oil. Simmer with cream, then stir in Parmesan and lemon juice to create the sauce. Toss everything together with the pasta, thinning with reserved water if needed. Garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? The sauce and vegetables can be prepped ahead, but for best results, combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving to prevent the pasta from absorbing all the sauce and becoming gummy.
How can I make this dish vegetarian? This recipe is naturally vegetarian. Ensure your Parmesan cheese is made with vegetarian rennet if required.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. Note the sauce will be less rich and may not thicken as much.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, but add them directly from frozen to the skillet. You may need to cook them a minute or two longer and pour off any excess liquid before adding the cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should be tender-crisp for the best texture. Do not add the Parmesan cheese to boiling cream, as high heat can cause it to become grainy and clumpy—always simmer gently. Never skip salting your pasta water, as it’s essential for seasoning the pasta itself. Finally, do not discard the pasta water; its starch is crucial for helping the sauce emulsify and cling to the pasta.
Conclusion
This Creamy Pasta Primavera is the perfect weeknight solution that feels both indulgent and fresh. By combining vibrant, seasonal vegetables with a simple, luxurious sauce, you create a balanced dish that is sure to impress. Mastering the technique of building the sauce in the same pan as the veggies maximizes flavor and minimizes cleanup. With the tips and variations provided, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste and what’s in your fridge. It’s a reliable, delicious blueprint for a satisfying meal any night of the week.