Loaded with a lot of different fresh produce, Pasta Primavera is a quick and easy dinner recipe and a great way to use up garden vegetables. The cream sauce adds a decadent touch while the addition of lemon juice keeps it on the lighter side. This is a vegetarian dish, but protein can easily be added for the meat lovers in your family.

Easy & Creamy Pasta Primavera

Looking for a relatively healthy pasta dinner you can whip up in just 30 minutes? This Pasta Primavera is it! The sauce is creamy but light, with lots of lemon juice, and the entire dish is packed with veggies. This is a great recipe to make during the spring and summer, using whatever vegetables are in season.

What is Pasta Primavera?

Pasta Primavera is an American (not Italian!) pasta dish that’s been popular since the ’70s. “Primavera” translates to “spring” in Italian. Fitting, as the dish is made with fresh spring veggies. Or summer veggies, depending on when you make it.

Some versions, like this one, include a cream sauce and all have a lovely lemon citrus flavor. It’s pasta “lightened up”.

Ingredients

This recipe is filled with fresh veggies, a few seasonings, lemon, and cheese.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

• Pasta – I like to use thin angel hair pasta.
• Butter – For sauteing the vegetables.
• Veggies – I added carrot, red bell pepper, broccoli, and chopped asparagus for a variety of flavors, textures, and colors. Cherry tomatoes are also added at the end.
• Seasoning – The dish is seasoned with salt and pepper and red pepper flakes. I also add fresh minced ginger and minced garlic, along with scallions.
• Dry white wine – The base of the sauce which gives it a robust flavor.
• Whipping cream – Adds the creaminess to the sauce.
• Lemon juices – Gives the cream sauce a lighter flavor and adds some refreshing citrus taste to the dish.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated parmesan for optimal flavor.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few easy variations that can be made for your pasta primavera.

• Turn it into chicken or shrimp pasta primavera. If you want to add protein to the pasta primavera, feel free to add in some cooked chicken or shrimp. Chop up some grilled or rotisserie chicken and toss it in at the end. Or sauté some shrimp and stir it in or serve on the side. Both are super easy additions without adding a lot more work.
• Switch up the pasta. This recipe can be enjoyed with any pasta you have on hand, whether it’s long or short noodles.
• Add more veggies. Feel free to add any veggies you have on hand. Zucchini, green beans, peas, and spinach are great additions. The idea is to use whatever you have in your garden or what’s in season!
• Omit the wine. The alcohol cooks off leaving just wonderful robust flavor, but if you don’t cook with alcohol, replace it with vegetable stock.

How to Make Pasta Primavera

This easy pasta dish comes together in just a handful of steps. Here’s a summary.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

1. Cook the pasta. Cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain then return to the pot. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the veggies. Melt the butter in a skillet. Add the veggies, stirring occasionally until slightly charred and crisp-tender. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the ginger, garlic, and scallions until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
3. Make the cream sauce. Add wine to deglaze the skillet. Once it has slightly evaporated, pour in the cream and lemon juice. Simmer to thicken, then stir in the Parmesan and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine the ingredients. Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and add the veggies. Stir to combine.
5. Serve. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and Parmesan shavings. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve creamy pasta primavera with bread as a side, whether it’s classic garlic bread or cheese bread. A few other great options are dutch oven bread, focaccia, or monkey bread muffins.

I’ll also usually add a salad as a first course or side dish, like a simple caesar salad, cucumber tomato salad, or arugula beet salad.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover pasta primavera should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for 3 days or so. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, until the veggies are heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to thin out the sauce. Keep in mind that the veggies won’t be as crisp when reheated. I do not recommend freezing this dish.

More Easy Pasta Recipes:

• Chicken Tetrazzini
• Baked Feta Pasta
• Pasta with Bacon and Peas
• Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Cream
• Lemon Pasta with Brussels Sprouts
• Spaghetti with Tomatoes and Artichokes
• Lemon Ricotta Pasta

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!