Bright & Fresh Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera
A vibrant dish combining fresh vegetables with a creamy, tangy sauce, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 12 oz Linguine, fettuccine, or other long pasta
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter (cubed)
- 3 cloves Garlic (finely minced or grated)
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Vegetable broth (or reserved pasta water)
- 1 large Lemon (zest and juice)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Vegetables
- 1 bunch Asparagus (about 1 lb, tough ends trimmed, cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
- 1 medium Zucchini (halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4-inch thick)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper (cored and thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Frozen peas (no need to thaw)
Seasoning
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil (chopped or torn)
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a half cup of pasta water for later.
Cooking Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add asparagus, zucchini, red bell pepper, and frozen peas. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender but still vibrant. Season with salt and pepper.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add cubed butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth (or reserved pasta water) and stir to combine. Add lemon zest and juice, then bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables, tossing everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. Finish off with fresh parsley, basil, and optional red pepper flakes for added heat.
Notes
For serving, plate with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of additional fresh herbs. Consider garnishing with lemon wedges and pairing with a crisp white wine or light salad.