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What is Pasta Primavera?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

Pasta Primavera is an Italian pasta and vegetable dish. Primavera is Italian for spring, and the dish is designed to use up seasonal vegetables. The blend of vegetables used in Pasta Primavera varies widely depending on location and preference, but onion, zucchini, broccoli and mushrooms are commonly added. A cheesy cream sauce is blended with the pasta and vegetables in Pasta Primavera.

Pasta Primavera also often includes pine nuts, garlic, fresh basil and fresh parsley. Garlic and onions are first sauteed in some olive oil in a large skillet before an assortment of vegetables is added. The seasonings and pine nuts are added after the vegetables and the skillet is removed from the heat before the cream and cheese are blended in. Chopped fresh tomatoes may also be stirred in at this point. The heat from the pasta and vegetables will warm the cream, cheese and tomatoes.

Peas are a common ingredient in pasta primavera.
Peas are a common ingredient in pasta primavera.

Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino-Romano cheese is usually used in Pasta Primavera. Rather than cream, those who are on a weight loss program may use evaporated fat-free milk. Non-fat plain yogurt may also be used, but it has a much tangier taste than milk or cream.

Frozen vegetables may be used in Pasta Primavera, but fresh vegetables are often preferred. Cauliflower, bell peppers, asparagus, peas and/or snow peas are just some of the possibilities. Basically any types of vegetables will work with the basic onion, zucchini, broccoli and mushrooms typically used in Pasta Primavera. Angel hair, fettucine and penne are just some of the popular pasta varieties that are commonly used in the dish.

Mushrooms are usually included in pasta primavera recipes.
Mushrooms are usually included in pasta primavera recipes.

Pasta Primavera is perfect for a lighter meal, especially when made with lower fat dairy products rather than cream. Since no meat is added, the cheese provides the protein. Vegetarians that eat dairy foods, or lacto-ovo vegetarians, can eat this dish so it may be a great option to bring to a potluck. Pasta Primavera is also an ideal dish for using up spring and summer vegetables while they are still fresh.

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    • Peas are a common ingredient in pasta primavera.
      By: sevenk
      Peas are a common ingredient in pasta primavera.
    • Mushrooms are usually included in pasta primavera recipes.
      By: mbongo
      Mushrooms are usually included in pasta primavera recipes.
    • Diced red bell peppers can add a dash of color to pasta primavera.
      By: Natika
      Diced red bell peppers can add a dash of color to pasta primavera.
    • Basil leaves are often used to flavor pasta primavera.
      By: Natika
      Basil leaves are often used to flavor pasta primavera.
    • Pasta primavera often includes garlic.
      By: Schlierner
      Pasta primavera often includes garlic.
    • Cauliflower may be included in pasta primavera.
      By: ExQuisine
      Cauliflower may be included in pasta primavera.
    • Pasta is a key ingredient in pasta primavera.
      By: Shawn Hempel
      Pasta is a key ingredient in pasta primavera.
    • Pasta primavera may be prepared in a large skillet.
      By: Brian Weed
      Pasta primavera may be prepared in a large skillet.
    • Parsley is often used to flavor Pasta Primavera.
      By: Barbara Pheby
      Parsley is often used to flavor Pasta Primavera.
    • Frozen vegetables may be used in pasta primavera.
      By: Patryssia
      Frozen vegetables may be used in pasta primavera.
    • Pasta primavera is a dish that's designed to utilize fresh and seasonal vegetables.
      By: monticellllo
      Pasta primavera is a dish that's designed to utilize fresh and seasonal vegetables.