Pasta Primavera is an Italian dish made with pasta and seasonal vegetables, such as onion, zucchini, broccoli, and mushrooms. It is typically served with a cream cheese sauce and can include pine nuts, garlic, and fresh herbs. Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino-Romano cheese is often used, and low-fat dairy products can be substituted for cream. This vegetarian dish is perfect for a lighter meal and for using up fresh spring and summer vegetables.
Pasta Primavera is an Italian dish of pasta and vegetables. Primavera is Italian for spring, and the dish is designed to use seasonal vegetables. The vegetable blend used in Pasta Primavera varies widely depending on location and preference, but onion, zucchini, broccoli, and mushrooms are commonly added. A cream cheese sauce is mixed with the pasta and vegetables in Pasta Primavera.
Pasta Primavera often includes pine nuts, garlic, fresh basil and fresh parsley. The garlic and onions are first sautéed in olive oil in a large skillet before an assortment of vegetables are added. The seasonings and pine nuts are added after the vegetables and the pan is removed from the heat before the cream and cheese are blended. You can also mix in chopped fresh tomatoes at this point. The heat of the pasta and vegetables warms the cream, cheese and tomatoes.
Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino-Romano is usually used in Pasta Primavera. Instead of cream, those on a weight loss program can use nonfat evaporated milk. Low-fat plain yogurt can also be used, but it has a much spicier flavor than milk or cream.
Frozen vegetables can be used in Pasta Primavera, but fresh vegetables are often preferred. Cauliflower, peppers, asparagus, peas and/or snow peas are just a few of the possibilities. Basically any type of vegetable will work with the basic onion, zucchini, broccoli and mushrooms typically used in Pasta Primavera. Peli d’angelo, fettucine, and penne are just a few of the popular pasta varieties commonly used in the dish.
Pasta Primavera is perfect for a lighter meal, especially when made with low-fat dairy products rather than cream. Since no meat is added, the cheese provides the protein. Vegetarians who eat dairy foods, or lacto-ovo vegetarians, can eat this dish, so it could be a great option to finish off a dinner party. Pasta Primavera is also an ideal dish for using up spring and summer vegetables while they are still fresh.
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