Description
Creamy Pasta Primavera is the ultimate comfort food, packed with fresh, colorful vegetables and tossed in a velvety, herb-infused sauce. This vibrant dish balances crisp-tender veggies with a rich parmesan cream, making it a perfect weeknight meal or show-stopping centerpiece for gatherings. A versatile and satisfying pasta recipe that celebrates seasonal ingredients!
Ingredients
Sauce:
1 ¼ cups chicken broth
1 ¼ cups half and half
½ chicken bouillon cube
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
¾ teaspoons EACH: dried parsley, basil, oregano, mustard powder
1 pinch red pepper flakes
Vegetables and Pasta:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup carrots, julienned
½ cup red onion, sliced
1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
½ zucchini, cut into chunks (equal to 1 ½ cups)
½ cup frozen peas
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
Salt/pepper to taste
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
½ lb. ziti
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
-
Prep the Sauce:
In a large measuring cup, combine chicken broth, half and half, bouillon cube, soy sauce, hot sauce, dried herbs, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. -
Cook the Pasta:
Bring salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente, drain, and set aside. -
Sauté Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté broccoli, red onion, carrots, and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes. Add zucchini, peas, and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until veggies are vibrant and crisp-tender. Remove from skillet. -
Make the Roux:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a roux. -
Make the Sauce:
Slowly whisk in the sauce mixture. Simmer until thickened. Stir in parmesan cheese gradually. Add lemon juice and stir. -
Combine Pasta and Veggies:
Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, then gently fold in the sautéed vegetables. Mix until everything is well-coated and heated through. -
Serve:
Finish with cracked black pepper and serve immediately. Optional: serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Use heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Swap in your favorite vegetables or add-ins like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach.
For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.
Not freezer-friendly due to the cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Sauté
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
