Name: Creamy Pasta Primavera: A Quick, Vibrant Dinner Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 oz pappardelle or any dried pasta; 1 cup heavy cream (At room temperature); 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup dry white wine (Or chicken broth); 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 medium yellow onion (Chopped); 2 cloves garlic (Minced); 1 medium zucchini or yellow squash (Chopped into quarters); 1 cup asparagus (Trimmed and chopped into 2-3” pieces); 1 medium bell pepper (Any color, seeded and chopped into 2-3” pieces); 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (Halved); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Essential for garnishing)

“I can’t believe how quickly dinner is ready! With just 30 minutes on the clock, this Creamy Pasta Primavera transforms a busy weeknight into a delightful culinary escape. Combining tender ribbons of pasta with an explosion of colorful, crisp vegetables, this dish offers a balance that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Plus, its creamy sauce—lightened with a splash of lemon—gives it a zesty twist, ensuring that even the most devoted veggie-averse might change their minds after one bite. Not only is it a quick and easy vegetarian meal, but it also makes for an impressive centerpiece at any gathering. Curious about how to whip up this bright, comforting dish? Let’s dive in!”

Why is Creamy Pasta Primavera a Must-Try?

Quick and Easy: This delightful dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Vibrant Vegetables: Featuring a medley of colorful veggies, including zucchini, bell pepper, and asparagus, it not only looks gorgeous but also brings a wealth of nutrients.

Creamy Comfort: The luscious creamy sauce, brightened with fresh lemon juice, takes your taste buds on a flavorful journey, blending richness with a zesty kick.

Versatile Base: Feel free to customize! Add your favorite proteins—like roasted chicken or shrimp—as you might in my Cajun Pasta with Shrimp to make it a heartier meal.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether you’re serving family or hosting friends, this dish guarantees satisfied smiles and second helpings! It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or even a simple garlic bread to elevate your dinner experience.

Creamy Pasta Primavera Ingredients

For the Pasta
• Pasta – Use pappardelle or any dried pasta shape for a hearty base.

For the Sauce
• Heavy Cream – Creates a rich and luscious sauce. Allow it to reach room temperature before using to prevent clumping.
• Butter – Adds richness to the sauce for a creamy texture.
• Olive Oil – Perfect for sautéing vegetables; adds a healthy fat component.
• Dry White Wine – Enhances depth of flavor in the sauce; substitute with chicken broth if needed.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Provides a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish, balancing the creaminess perfectly.
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs to elevate the sauce with aromatic notes.

For the Vegetables
• Yellow Onion – Chopped to add aromatic flavor depth.
• Garlic – Minced for enhancing aroma and savory notes.
• Zucchini or Yellow Squash – Chopped into quarters for sweetness and texture.
• Asparagus – Trimmed and chopped into 2-3” pieces for a colorful crunch.
• Bell Pepper – Any color, seeded and chopped into 2-3” pieces for a sweet crunch.
• Frozen Peas – Adds a pop of sweetness and bright color; fresh peas can also be used if available.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Halved for freshness and vibrant color contrast.

For the Garnish
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Essential for garnishing, it adds umami and richness to the dish.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Pasta Primavera

Step 1: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your dried pasta—such as pappardelle—and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water for later, and then drain the pasta in a colander while setting it aside.

Step 2: Prep Ingredients
While the pasta cooks, take this time to chop your vegetables. Dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic, and chop zucchini, bell pepper, and asparagus into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using frozen peas, keep them on hand for later. This prep will ensure a smooth cooking process for your Creamy Pasta Primavera.

Step 3: Sauté Onion
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbly, add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This step lays a flavorful foundation for your Creamy Pasta Primavera.

Step 4: Add Vegetables
Stir in the chopped zucchini, asparagus, bell pepper, and minced garlic into the skillet with the sautéed onion. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant. This combination brings a delightful texture and flavor to the dish.

Step 5: Make Sauce
Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine (or chicken broth) along with 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, which will help the flavors meld together into a rich sauce for your Creamy Pasta Primavera.

Step 6: Add Cream
Reduce the heat to low, and whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream until fully incorporated. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, creating a creamy and luscious base.

Step 7: Combine Pasta
Carefully add the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing gently to coat it with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve your desired consistency. Ensure every strand is luxuriously enveloped in the creamy mixture.

Step 8: Serve
Transfer the Creamy Pasta Primavera to serving plates, where you can garnish it with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy this warm, vibrant dish straight from the stovetop, while the pasta is still beautifully coated and delightful!

Creamy Pasta Primavera Variations

Explore the delightful twists you can add to this creamy pasta dish to suit your taste!

Protein Boost: Add cooked shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or baked lemon tilapia for a satisfying protein punch.
Seasonal Veggies: Swap in seasonal vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or colorful bell peppers for a fresh take.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta options such as brown rice or quinoa pasta for a similar creamy experience without the gluten.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version that still feels rich!
Extra Zing: Incorporate a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your pasta a spicy kick, enhancing the overall flavor.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be mixed in at the end for an extra layer of fresh flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a unique flavor, giving you a twist on our classic recipe for a creamy touch.
Lemon Lovers: For even more brightness, add additional lemon zest or juice to enhance that refreshing zesty flavor.

Did you know that this vibrant dish can pair perfectly with my One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta? Or for a heartier option, you might enjoy adding a side of my Cajun Pasta with Shrimp. Let your culinary creativity shine with these variations!

What to Serve with Creamy Pasta Primavera

Imagine a table bursting with color and flavors, perfectly complementing your delightful creamy creation.

Garlic Breadsticks: The crunchy, buttery warmth of garlic breadsticks provides a delicious contrast and is perfect for mopping up any leftover creamy sauce.
Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp greens with a light vinaigrette will enhance the richness of the pasta, refreshing your palate with each bite. For an extra touch, toss in cherry tomatoes for a harmonious nod to the pasta dish.
Grilled Chicken Breast: A simple herb-marinated grilled chicken adds a protein boost, balancing the creaminess and making the meal more filling.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables deepens the vegetable flavors and brings a lovely caramelization that pairs wonderfully with the creamy pasta.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc brings a zesty citrus note, echoing the lemon in your dish while enhancing the overall dining experience.
Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, serve a refreshing lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate, maintaining that vibrant lemony theme throughout your meal.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus not only enhances the dish’s presentation but also echoes the flavors and textures found in the creamy pasta primavera.
Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, this appetizer brings a burst of brightness and charm, making your meal feel truly festive.
Parmesan Crisp: Add a crunchy cheese element by serving homemade Parmesan crisps alongside—perfect for adding an extra touch to each forkful of creamy pasta.

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy Pasta Primavera are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop all your vegetables—zucchini, bell pepper, and asparagus—up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can measure out your creamy sauce ingredients, like the heavy cream and broth, and keep them together until you’re ready to cook (this helps streamline your cooking process). When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply sauté the onions, add your prepped vegetables, and finish by cooking the pasta and bringing everything together in one pan. This way, your Creamy Pasta Primavera will be just as delicious and fresh, saving you precious time on busy weeknights!

How to Store and Freeze Creamy Pasta Primavera

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps retain the flavors and ensures the Creamy Pasta Primavera stays fresh.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. It’s best to omit the cream sauce if you plan to freeze it, and instead, add fresh cream when reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream for moisture and to restore the creamy texture.

Serving: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but with proper storage, you’ll still revel in its vibrant flavors even after a couple of days!

Expert Tips for Creamy Pasta Primavera

Prep in Advance: Gather and chop all your vegetables before cooking to streamline the process and ensure you have everything ready when you need it.
A Room Temperature Cream: To avoid clumping or curdling, make sure your heavy cream is at room temperature before incorporating it into the sauce.
Perfectly Tender Veggies: Avoid overcooking your vegetables; they should remain bright and tender-crisp for a great texture contrast in the Creamy Pasta Primavera.
Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth works just as well. It maintains the sauce’s depth and flavor without compromising on taste.
Save the Pasta Water: Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta; it’s a secret ingredient that can enhance the sauce’s texture.
Tailor to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount and type of vegetables based on what you have on hand or to suit your family’s preferences.

Creamy Pasta Primavera Recipe FAQs

Which type of pasta should I use for the Creamy Pasta Primavera?
I recommend using pappardelle for its broad surface area that catches the creamy sauce beautifully. However, any dried pasta shape works well, such as fettuccine or penne. Just make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture!

How do I store leftovers of Creamy Pasta Primavera?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to help revive the sauce’s luscious texture.

Can I freeze Creamy Pasta Primavera?
Absolutely! To freeze, I suggest storing the pasta without the cream sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh cream while reheating to restore its delightful creaminess.

What if I don’t have fresh vegetables on hand?
That’s no problem! You can use frozen vegetables instead. Just make sure to thaw them before adding to the dish, or toss them in frozen, extending the cooking time a bit. This way, you can enjoy your creamy pasta primavera with whatever veggies you have!

Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes! For a gluten-free option, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. If you have lactose intolerance, substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream or unsweetened almond milk; just keep in mind it may affect the creaminess. Always check for any additional allergens in the specific ingredients you choose.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling in the sauce?
To prevent curdling, ensure your heavy cream is at room temperature before adding it to the sauce. Also, stir the cream in slowly over low heat, allowing it to blend gently without cooking too quickly. This step will help you achieve that smooth, creamy texture you desire!