Imagine twirling your fork into a vibrant plate of pasta that bursts with the colors and flavors of spring, where each bite tells a story of garden-fresh vegetables and comforting Italian tradition. This Pasta Primavera isn't just a meal—it's a culinary celebration that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can create in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate food lover, this recipe promises to transport your taste buds to the sunny hills of Italy with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (any type)
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like sea water to properly season the pasta.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and cut into 1-inch pieces. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add asparagus and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are bright and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add peas to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season the vegetables with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and vegetables, stirring to distribute evenly and create a creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Salt Your Water Generously: The key to flavorful pasta starts with well-salted boiling water. It should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Keep Your Vegetables Crisp: The magic of Primavera is in the texture. Sauté your vegetables quickly to maintain their bright color and slight crunch.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky sauce. Always save a cup before draining your pasta.
- Timing is Everything: Add delicate vegetables like peas later to prevent overcooking and preserve their sweet, fresh flavor.
- Finish with Fresh Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a final layer of richness and depth to your dish. Grate it fresh for the best flavor. Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of lemon zest or a few fresh basil leaves when serving for a truly authentic Italian touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
