Save to Pinterest Celebrate the arrival of spring with this vibrant Garlic Parmesan Spring Vegetable Pasta. This dish brings together the fresh crunch of asparagus and green beans with the sweetness of peas, all tied together in a light, silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that perfectly coats every penne tube.
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With its bright colors and zesty lemon notes, this pasta is an ideal choice for a light dinner or a sophisticated weekend lunch that feels like a celebration on a plate.
Ingredients
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- 350 g (12 oz) penne pasta
- 200 g (7 oz) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) pieces
- 150 g (1 cup) fresh or frozen peas
- 150 g (1 cup) green beans, trimmed and cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) vegetable broth
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- 60 g (2/3 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add asparagus, green beans, and peas. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still bright green.
- Step 4
- Pour in vegetable broth and cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 5
- Reduce heat to low, add heavy cream and 60 g Parmesan. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Step 6
- Add cooked penne and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Step 7
- Season with black pepper, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh herbs.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should remain crisp and vibrant green. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-clumping agents that can prevent the sauce from becoming perfectly smooth.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. To add a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also increase the fiber by using whole wheat penne. For a vegan-friendly alternative, use a plant-based cream and vegan-style Parmesan cheese.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this pasta hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to complement the citrus notes in the dish.
Save to Pinterest This Garlic Parmesan Spring Vegetable Pasta is a simple yet sophisticated way to enjoy the fresh bounty of the season. Enjoy every creamy, vegetable-packed bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
While best served immediately, you can prepare components ahead. Cook vegetables and sauce separately, then reheat gently while pasta boils. Toss everything together just before serving to maintain texture.
- → What other vegetables work well in this dish?
Snap peas, broccoli florets, zucchini, or bell peppers all substitute beautifully. The key is choosing vegetables that cook quickly and maintain bright color when sautéed briefly.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep heat low when adding cream and cheese, stirring constantly. Remove from heat once cheese melts. If reheating, add a splash of pasta water to restore silkiness.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
The cream sauce may separate when frozen and reheated. For best results, enjoy fresh. If freezing, skip the cream and add it when reheating thawed portions.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Penne, fusilli, or rotini catch sauce well in their ridges. Short shapes with texture help the creamy garlic-Parmesan coating cling to every bite.
- → How can I add more protein?
Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or white beans with the vegetables. Grilled chicken breast sliced on top also makes a hearty addition.
