Description
Creamy Pasta Primavera is a delightful and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish combining tender pasta with fresh sautéed vegetables in a rich and luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick yet flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe features penne or fettuccine pasta tossed with a medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, all coated in a smooth Parmesan-infused cream sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mixed fresh vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions, usually around 8-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add sliced bell peppers and zucchini along with cherry tomatoes, and sauté until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream with the vegetables. Stir gently and let the sauce heat through and begin to thicken slightly for 3-4 minutes, blending the flavors together.
- Combine Everything Together: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy vegetables. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to coat all pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve Up Your Masterpiece: Plate the pasta primavera and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, vegetably-packed pasta dish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like asparagus or peas based on seasonality.
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
