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Pasta Primavera with Peas and Asparagus Recipe

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4.4 from 9 reviews

A vibrant and fresh Pasta Primavera featuring tender asparagus, sweet peas, and crisp sugar snap peas tossed in a light lemon garlic butter sauce, finished with grated parmesan and fresh parsley. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Pasta

  • 180 grams pasta
  • 100 grams asparagus tips
  • 100 grams frozen peas
  • 100 grams sugar snap peas

For the Sauce and Seasoning

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
  • Small bunch chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Asparagus: Remove the tough woody base of the asparagus stems; they should snap off easily. Cut the remaining asparagus into three pieces.
  2. Slice Sugar Snap Peas: Slice the sugar snap peas into thirds for easy cooking and eating.
  3. Cook Pasta and Vegetables: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions until ‘al dente.’ Add the frozen peas, asparagus, and sugar snap peas into the pot during the last 2 minutes of the pasta cooking time to soften them without overcooking.
  4. Melt Butter and Cook Garlic: While pasta cooks, melt the butter or heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a large saucepan. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn. Stir in the lemon juice.
  5. Drain Pasta and Vegetables: Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta and mixed vegetables thoroughly.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Add approximately ¼ cup (60ml) of the reserved pasta water to the lemon garlic butter in the pan. Stir to combine, then add the drained pasta and vegetables to the pan and toss well.
  7. Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Season with a generous pinch of black pepper and salt if desired. Add more pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency, ensuring the pasta is nicely coated.
  8. Final Seasoning: Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, and lemon juice to brighten the flavors to your taste.
  9. Serve: Plate the pasta primavera garnished with additional parsley, parmesan, and optional lemon wedges for an extra fresh touch.

Notes

  • Use high-quality parmesan for the best flavor impact.
  • The pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and allows it to better cling to the pasta.
  • Fresh vegetables can be substituted for frozen ones as preferred, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
  • Butter can be swapped out for olive oil to make the dish dairy-free, though it will change the flavor slightly.
  • For a vegan version, omit parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.