There’s nothing quite like the vibrant, colorful combination of fresh vegetables and creamy sauce in Pasta Primavera with Sauce. It’s a dish that feels like a celebration of the season, offering a medley of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for special occasions, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Here, you’ll discover how to create the perfect Pasta Primavera with a creamy, flavorful sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love Pasta Primavera with Sauce
Pasta Primavera is more than just pasta—it’s a wholesome and delicious experience.
- Packed with Vegetables: Loaded with fresh, vibrant veggies, this dish is as healthy as it is tasty.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The sauce adds a comforting, indulgent element without being overly heavy.
- Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables to make it uniquely yours.
Ingredients for Pasta Primavera with Sauce
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
| Sauce | Chicken broth | 1 ¼ cups |
| Half and half | 1 ¼ cups | |
| Chicken bouillon cube | ½ | |
| Soy sauce | 1 teaspoon | |
| Hot sauce | 1 teaspoon | |
| Dried parsley | ¾ teaspoon | |
| Dried basil | ¾ teaspoon | |
| Dried oregano | ¾ teaspoon | |
| Mustard powder | ¾ teaspoon | |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 pinch | |
| Vegetables | Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups | |
| Carrots, julienned | ½ cup | |
| Red onion, sliced | ½ cup | |
| Red bell pepper, sliced | 1 cup | |
| Zucchini, cut into chunks | ½ (1 ½ cups) | |
| Frozen peas | ½ cup | |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup | |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | |
| Pasta | Ziti | ½ pound |
| Sauce Base | Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | |
| Flour | 3 tablespoons | |
| Parmesan cheese, freshly grated | 1 cup | |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
Step-by-Step Guide to Pasta Primavera with Sauce
1. Prepare the Sauce
- In a large measuring cup, mix the chicken broth, half and half, chicken bouillon, soy sauce, hot sauce, parsley, basil, oregano, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir until well combined and set aside.
2. Prep Your Ingredients
- Measure and slice all the vegetables. Set them aside in separate bowls.
- Grate the parmesan cheese and prepare the garlic for cooking.
3. Boil the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add ½ tablespoon of salt to season the water.
- Cook the ziti to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the broccoli, onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook for about 3 minutes.
- Add the zucchini, peas, and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
5. Make the Sauce Base
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour, cooking continuously for 2 minutes to form a roux.
6. Combine the Sauce Ingredients
- Gradually add the prepared sauce mixture to the skillet in small splashes, stirring constantly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover partially while you finish the pasta.
7. Add the Parmesan and Lemon Juice
- Reduce the sauce to low heat. Slowly sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated.
- Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
8. Combine the Pasta and Vegetables
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for a few minutes until everything is heated through.
Tips for Perfect Pasta Primavera with Sauce
- Use Fresh Vegetables: The fresher the veggies, the better the flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente, as the pasta will absorb some of the sauce.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more or less red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and enhances the sauce’s creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Pasta Primavera with Sauce is a versatile dish that pairs well with:
- Garlic Bread: Adds a crispy, buttery element to the meal.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approximate) |
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken bouillon to make it vegetarian-friendly.
2. What other vegetables can I use?
You can add asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, or green beans. Customize it to your liking!
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work wonderfully with this dish.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
5. Can I freeze Pasta Primavera?
It’s not recommended to freeze because the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing.
6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free flour for the roux.
Final Thoughts
Pasta Primavera with Sauce is a dish that combines comfort and freshness in the most delicious way. Its creamy sauce, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or loved ones, this recipe is sure to impress.
So grab your ingredients and start cooking! Share your experience and any creative twists you added in the comments below. Bon appétit!
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Pasta Primavera with Sauce: A Fresh and Creamy Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Savor the vibrant medley of fresh vegetables tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a creamy, flavorful sauce. This Pasta Primavera is the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist, ready to impress at any meal.
Ingredients
- For the Sauce:
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ¾ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon mustard powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- For the Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup carrots, julienned
- ½ cup red onion, sliced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 ½ cups zucchini, cut into chunks
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Pasta:
- ½ pound ziti
- For the Sauce Base:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Combine chicken broth, half and half, chicken bouillon, soy sauce, hot sauce, parsley, basil, oregano, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes in a large measuring cup. Stir well and set aside.
- Prep Your Ingredients:
- Slice and measure all vegetables, grate Parmesan cheese, and prepare minced garlic.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté broccoli, onions, carrots, and bell peppers for 3 minutes. Add zucchini, peas, and cherry tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. Remove vegetables and set aside.
- Make the Sauce Base:
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients:
- Gradually add the prepared sauce mixture to the skillet while stirring. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Reduce heat to low, slowly add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Add lemon juice for a fresh finish.
- Combine Everything:
Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until coated. Add sautéed vegetables and mix well. Cook for a few minutes until heated through
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by modifying red pepper flakes.
Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
