Best Creamy Pasta With Spring Vegetables Recipes

PRIMAVERA PASTA

Steps:

• Prepare all the vegetables: cut the bell pepper into 1/4-inch (1/2 cm) strips, zucchini into 1/3-inch (3/4 cm) half-slices, green beans in half crosswise, cut off the woody ends of asparagus (white parts) and cut the asparagus into 2-3 parts, cut the garlic into very thin slices.
• Cook the pasta al dente. 5 minutes before the end of the cooking, add the green beans (thin green beans need 4-5 minutes cooking time, thicker beans about 5-6 minutes). Strain the pasta and beans.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan, add the bell pepper and half of the zucchini. Cook over high heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly browned but still very crunchy (they cannot be very soft). Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
• Add half a tablespoon of oil and the other half of zucchini and asparagus to the pan. Cook it the same way as described above. Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
• Add a tablespoon of butter to the pan and when it's melted add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds.
• Add the broth, scrape all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spatula and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, or until the broth thickens a little.
• Add the cream and lemon zest. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Season the sauce with lemon juice (it should be very lemony).
• Add the peas and cook in the sauce for 30-60 seconds (fresh peas will need about 20 sec and the frozen peas about a minute).
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese, season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Take the pan off the heat.
• Add the cooked vegetables and pasta. Stir everything together, season with more salt and pepper if necessary.
• Serve with more grated Parmesan cheese and optionally fresh basil leaves.
• Enjoy!

CREAMY PASTA WITH SPRING VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Cut asparagus into 1 1/2 inch pieces discarding the tough ends.
• Cut mushrooms in half or quarters.
• Cut bell pepper into 1 inch squares or strips.
• Combine vegetables in a bowl. Add olive oil and toss lightly.
• Add garlic, salt and pepper. Gently mix well.
• Pour into bar pan (cookie sheet with edges) and bake for 10-12 minutes until crisp tender.
• Snip basil with kitchen scissors.
• Prepare pasta according to pakage instructions.
• In a small saucepan, simmer whipping cream for 6-8 minutes, on medium low heat to slightly thicken. Stir constantly so it doesn't burn to the bottom of the pan.
• Drain pasta and transfer to large bowl. Add veggies, heated cream and basil. Toss lightly.
• Mix 1/4 c of parmesan cheese into the pasta.
• Spoon onto serving plates or dishes. Sprinkle with remaining paremesan and some additonal black pepper.

CREAMY GEMELLI PASTA WITH SHRIMP AND SPRING VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add gemelli and cook, stirring occasionally, to desired tenderness, 6 to 11 minutes. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
• At the same time, bring another small pot of water to a boil. Add peas and boil until slightly softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain.
• Juice 3 of the lemon halves. Slice the remaining half into thin rounds. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a deep skillet or large pot over medium-high heat. Add peas, zucchini, and garlic; cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque, 3 to 5 minutes; be careful not to overcook. Remove from the heat.
• Add cooked gemelli to the shrimp-vegetable mixture. Stir in creme fraiche and lemon juice and season with more salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with lemon slices and basil.