Classic Pasta Primavera: A Vibrant and Delicious Feast

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced
  • 1 cup of broccoli florets
  • 1 cup of asparagus, chopped
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 500 grams of spaghetti

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic, cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
  3. Add the bell pepper, carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, and asparagus. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Add the cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine with the vegetables.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, add the fresh basil, parsley, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
  6. While the vegetables are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  7. Drain the spaghetti, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water. Add the spaghetti to the pan with the vegetables and sauce. Toss to combine, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed, until the spaghetti is fully coated in the sauce.
  8. Serve the Primavera hot, with additional Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Tools for making

  • Large frying pan - Used to cook the vegetables and sauce.
  • Large pot - Used to boil the spaghetti.
  • Cutting board - Used to chop the vegetables.
  • Knife - Used to finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the vegetables.
  • Wooden spoon - Used for stirring and tossing the ingredients.
  • Grater - Used to grate the Parmesan cheese.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Measuring cup - Used to measure the heavy cream.

Recipe variations

  • Include your favorite protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
  • Replace spaghetti with your preferred pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or linguine.
  • Add some heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
  • Experiment with different vegetables based on personal preference or seasonal availability, such as mushrooms, green beans, or baby spinach.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or grated lemon zest to give the dish a refreshing citrusy flavor.
  • Enhance the dish with some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before serving.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap the regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or use spiralized zucchini noodles.
  • Incorporate herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary to add additional depth of flavor.
  • For a heartier dish, mix in cooked bacon, pancetta, or sliced sausage.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the fresh flavors of the season with this delicious Primavera recipe. This dish features a vibrant mix of vegetables, from bell peppers to zucchini, all cooked together in a creamy, Parmesan-infused sauce. The vegetables are then tossed with al dente spaghetti, resulting in a meal that's both hearty and refreshing. This Primavera recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. It's easy to make and can be ready in less than an hour. Plus, it's an excellent way to enjoy an array of colorful vegetables. Let's get started on this enticing meal!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different vegetables?
    Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for different vegetables.
  2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
    Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. The recipe works well with penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta.
  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    While it's best to enjoy Primavera fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce on the stove and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
    Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a vegetarian-friendly substitute. To make it vegan, use a plant-based cream alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese.
  5. Can I add protein to this dish?
    Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are excellent additions to make the dish more protein-rich. Simply cook the protein separately and add it to the Primavera when combining the sauce and pasta.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large frying pan - A large frying pan is needed to sauté the vegetables and create the sauce.
  • Large pot - A large pot is necessary to cook the spaghetti.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the vegetables and sauce.
  • Chef's knife - A chef's knife is essential for chopping the onion, garlic, and vegetables.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Grater - A grater is required to grate the Parmesan cheese.
  • Colander - A colander is needed to drain the cooked spaghetti.
  • Serving platter - A serving platter is helpful for presenting and serving the Primavera.
  • Parmesan cheese shaker - A Parmesan cheese shaker is convenient for offering additional cheese at the table.

Origin stories

Primavera, translating directly to 'Spring' in Italian, is a delightful dish that truly represents its name. Sadly, contrary to popular belief, it does not have deep roots in Italy. In fact, it is largely an American creation that gained popularity in the 1970s, named for its vibrant colors reminiscent of blooming spring gardens. The dish was reputedly invented at Le Cirque, a famed New York restaurant where the chef, Sirio Maccioni, served it off-menu to the delight and intrigue of diners. The pasta primavera, teeming with fresh and crisp vegetables, became an instant sensation, embodying the spirit of spring on a plate.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.