Description
A quick and vibrant Pasta Primavera recipe featuring tender sautéed vegetables, a creamy Parmesan sauce, and fresh basil, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta (or other pasta)
Vegetables & Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 to 4 cups chopped veggies of choice (such as bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, carrots)
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (or half and half)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or more, to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce and vegetables.
- Sauté Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped vegetables, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2 to 4 minutes until they become slightly tender but still crisp. Remove the veggies from the skillet and set them on a plate.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more chicken broth, cream, or water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Combine: Return the cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and veggies evenly. Cook for an additional minute to heat through. Remove from heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top of the pasta. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh seasonal vegetables for more vibrant flavor and color.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- You can swap penne with any pasta shape like fusilli or farfalle.
- Adjust the cream to broth ratio depending on your preferred sauce richness.
- Parmesan cheese can be increased or reduced based on your taste preference.
