Pasta Primavera: A Vibrant, Veggie-Packed Delight

Pasta Primavera: A Vibrant, Veggie-Packed Delight

Pasta Primavera is a classic Italian-American dish that’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal vegetables tossed with pasta in a light, flavorful sauce. It’s a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, bringing together the crispness of garden-fresh veggies and the comforting warmth of pasta. The dish typically features a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, peas, and cherry tomatoes, and it’s often finished with a touch of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as penne, farfalle, or linguine)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the red and yellow bell peppers and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

3. Add the zucchini to the skillet and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

4. Add the cherry tomatoes, peas, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.

5. Prepare the sauce: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir well to combine, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to ensure that the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and vegetables. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it up.

7. Finish the dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and parsley. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

8. Serve: Divide the Pasta Primavera among plates and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Enjoy this delightful, vibrant Pasta Primavera that showcases the best of fresh, seasonal vegetables paired with the classic comfort of pasta.