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–+ servings

15 Minute Creamy Spring Pasta for Busy Families

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Enjoy this easy spring pasta recipe! Creamy Pasta Primavera with fresh veggies and penne is a quick, comforting meal for busy families.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 490
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Napa Valley olive oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 yellow squash sliced
  • 1 zucchini sliced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) peas
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cherry tomatoes halved
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) half and half
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Boil the penne in salted water according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the broccoli, bell pepper, squash, and zucchini until tender-crisp.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the half and half and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Mix in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with the cream sauce.
  7. Fold in the cherry tomatoes and garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 490kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 14gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 482mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3g

Notes

Vegetable Variations: I often swap the zucchini for asparagus or snap peas when the seasons change, as long as you keep the total volume of veggies about the same.
Sauce Success: I