Pasta Primavera: A Colourful and Nutritious Delight
Pasta Primavera is a classic Italian dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of spring vegetables. This delightful and effortless recipe is a perfect way to incorporate a variety of fresh vegetables into your meal. The beauty of Pasta Primavera lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the seasonal vegetables to shine through. Let’s dive into this recipe and create a delicious dish that is sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 300g pasta of your choice (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
– 1 medium courgette, thinly sliced
– 1 large carrot, julienned
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 50g butter
– 150ml double cream
– 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preparation of Vegetables:
– In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Add the garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant.
– Add the courgette, carrot, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cooking the Pasta:
– In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil.
– Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.
3. Combining Pasta and Vegetables:
– Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the vegetables.
– Pour in the double cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined.
– If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
4. Serving the Pasta Primavera:
– Divide the Pasta Primavera into serving plates.
– Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
– Serve hot and enjoy this burst of spring flavors!
Tips and Variations:
– Feel free to customize the vegetables in this Pasta Primavera recipe based on what’s in season or your personal preferences.
– For a lighter version, you can substitute the double cream with olive oil for a healthier twist.
– Add a touch of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing citrusy flavor.
– Experiment with different herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano to enhance the taste profile of this dish.
In conclusion, Pasta Primavera is a versatile and satisfying dish that brings together the essence of spring in a delightful plate of pasta. By following this simple recipe, you can create a colourful and nutritious meal that is both easy to prepare and full of flavour. So, gather your favorite spring vegetables and get ready to indulge in this effortless and delicious Pasta Primavera!