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spring vegetable pasta

Creamy Pasta Primavera: A Colorful Twist on Dinner Nights


  • Author: hafsahafsa
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Bright, creamy, and packed with colorful veggies, this Creamy Pasta Primavera brings a touch of spring to your dinner table all year long. Tossed in a luscious cream sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan, every bite balances freshness, comfort, and rich flavor — perfect for both family dinners and elegant gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

For the pasta and sauce:

12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

½ cup (120 ml) milk

¾ cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)

For the vegetables:

1 small zucchini, sliced into half moons

1 small yellow squash, sliced into half moons

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 small carrot, thinly sliced

1 cup (100 g) broccoli florets

½ cup (75 g) cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup (75 g) green peas (fresh or frozen)

2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

For garnish:

Extra Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (9–11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, and yellow squash. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Stir in cherry tomatoes and peas; cook for 2 minutes. Remove vegetables from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook 2 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream and milk; stir and let simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth, then add lemon juice for freshness.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Vegetables
Return vegetables to the skillet, then add cooked pasta. Toss everything gently. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water until creamy and well-coated.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Taste for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer to a serving platter or bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.

Don’t overcook the veggies — they should stay slightly crisp for contrast.

Add pasta water gradually to achieve the perfect creamy texture.

Stir in cheese slowly to prevent clumping and ensure a silky sauce.

Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: creamy pasta primavera, vegetable pasta, spring pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner