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Creamy One-Pot Spring Vegetable Pasta

creamy one-pot spring vegetable pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring fresh spring vegetables in a creamy, comforting sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Trim and chop asparagus into 1-inch pieces, trim and halve green beans, mince garlic, and finely chop the onion. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, warm olive oil and unsalted butter until melted and shimmering.
  3. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until translucent but not browned. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in asparagus and green beans, cooking for 2-3 minutes to brighten their color and soften slightly.
  5. Add dry pasta to the pot, then pour in broth. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
  6. Cover with a lid and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if liquid absorbs too quickly.
  7. Stir in peas and half-and-half or cream. Cover again and cook another 4-5 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce is creamy.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use short, ridged pasta like penne or fusilli for best sauce cling. Stir frequently during simmering to prevent sticking. Add delicate vegetables like peas last to keep their texture and color. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Adjust liquid as needed to maintain creamy sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, spring vegetables, creamy pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, comfort food