Description
Springtime comes alive with this delightful Pasta Primavera, showcasing garden-fresh vegetables dancing through perfectly al dente noodles. Colorful ingredients mingle in a light, herbal sauce that brings Italian countryside charm right to your dinner plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1/2 pound ziti
Proteins
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 chicken bouillon cube
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 zucchini, cut into chunks (equal to 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth (473 milliliters)
- 1 1/4 cups half and half (296 milliliters)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 3/4 teaspoons dried parsley
- 3/4 teaspoons dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoons mustard powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Gather and prep all ingredients to streamline the cooking process, ensuring a smooth culinary experience.
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook ziti until perfectly al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce broccoli, onions, carrots, and bell peppers, sautéing for approximately 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Incorporate zucchini, peas, and tomatoes into the vegetable mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper, continuing to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Transfer the vibrant vegetable medley to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Sprinkle flour into the skillet, whisking continuously for 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. Gradually introduce the sauce mixture, stirring constantly to maintain a silky smooth consistency.
- Allow the sauce to bubble, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Slowly incorporate parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
- Splash in lemon juice, then add the drained pasta, tossing thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Reintroduce the previously cooked vegetables to the skillet, gently stirring to combine and heat through. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Measure ingredients beforehand to create a seamless cooking experience and avoid kitchen chaos.
- Add just enough salt to the boiling water to enhance pasta flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Cook vegetables briefly to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant colors, preventing mushy results.
- Whisk flour and butter carefully to eliminate raw flour taste and create a silky, lump-free sauce base.
- Add parmesan gradually and stir continuously to ensure smooth incorporation and prevent clumping.
- Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options for alternative dietary needs.
- Easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal that suits different preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg