Description

Enjoy the delightful flavors of Spring Pasta Primavera! This quick, homemade dish features fresh vegetables, penne pasta, and a creamy lemon sauce perfect for healthy meals or comforting dinners.

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

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt and pasta, and cook for 11 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and return pasta to the pot.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté asparagus, bell pepper, and broccoli for 2-3 minutes. Add zucchini and cook for another 1-2 minutes until tender yet crisp. Season with salt and pepper. Move vegetables to a plate or bowl.
Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Cook shallot and garlic for 2 minutes, then add lemon zest and vegetable broth. Simmer until reduced by half, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
Toss peas into the pot with pasta, then add cooked vegetables. Mix in lemon cream sauce until well combined, then add Parmesan and remaining lemon juice. Incorporate tomatoes and basil, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Transfer pasta primavera into a serving bowl or dish. Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes. Serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter version, reduce the heavy cream and substitute with vegetable broth.
Adding other seasonal vegetables can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to avoid sticking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 410
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg