Creamy Pasta Primavera
A vibrant dish that celebrates fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10 oz penne pasta Boil in salted water until al dente.
Aromatics
- 4 cloves minced garlic Sauté lightly in olive oil until fragrant.
Liquids/Dairy
- 1 cup chicken broth Use low-sodium broth if watching salt intake.
- 2/3 cup heavy cream Limit to lower-fat versions if desired.
Vegetables
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
- 1 cup red bell peppers, cut into thin 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup zucchini, cut into 1/8-inch round pieces, cut in half
- 3/4 cup carrots, cut into thin 1-inch pieces Similar to matchsticks.
- 1 1/2 cup broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup green peas
Seasoning
- 3/4 tsp Italian seasoning Adds balanced flavor.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch To thicken the sauce.
- 1 tbsp water To mix with cornstarch.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use fresh for the best flavor.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
Sautéing the Aromatics
- In a large skillet over medium heat, pour olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Making the Creamy Base
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Combining the Vegetables
- Add grape tomatoes, red bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, broccoli florets, and green peas. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Thickening the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Combining with Pasta
- Add cooked penne pasta back into the skillet and toss gently until everything is well combined. Cook for another minute until heated through.
Finishing Touches
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy. Serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to customize with different vegetables or proteins. Serve with crusty bread or a salad for a complete meal.