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Simple Pasta Primavera with Colorful Veggies

A bowl of Simple Pasta Primavera with Colorful Veggies, featuring penne pasta, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, peas, and red bell peppers.
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A quick and healthy pasta dish packed with fresh, colorful vegetables and a light lemon-herb sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Pasta (penne, farfalle, or fusilli)
  • 1 cup Asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup Snap Peas, trimmed
  • 1 cup Broccoli Florets, small florets
  • 1/2 cup Peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup Carrots, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin)
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Broth (low sodium)
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Herbs, chopped (parsley, basil, chives)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (plus more for serving)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black Pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red onion; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add asparagus, snap peas, broccoli, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Add peas during the last minute. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and simmer. Stir in heavy cream if using. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in lemon juice, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and herbs if desired.

Notes

  • For a vegan option, omit heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and use plant-based alternatives.
  • Add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta primavera, colorful vegetables, healthy pasta, quick dinner, Italian recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy meal

Find it online: https://www.meltitclean.com/simple-pasta-primavera-with-colorful-veggies/