Melissa’s Pasta Primavera is Perfect for Spring
Recipe Overview
Overview
Pasta Primavera is a delightful celebration of spring, and Melissa Clark’s version truly embodies the season’s essence. With a focus on fresh, vibrant vegetables like asparagus and peas, this dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly flavorful. The use of crème fraîche and Parmesan creates a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the tender pasta and crisp vegetables.
One of the standout features of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever is in season, making it a versatile choice for any spring gathering. The cooking technique is straightforward, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through without overwhelming them with heavy sauces or spices.
Melissa’s tips for preparing the vegetables are particularly helpful, emphasizing the importance of not overcooking them to maintain their bright colors and fresh taste. The addition of fresh garlic and herbs at the end of cooking ensures that the dish is aromatic and full of flavor. Overall, this Pasta Primavera is a perfect dish for a light lunch or dinner, embodying the joy of springtime cooking.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Boil a large pot of water.
Tip: Add salt to boiling water for faster dissolving.
Add salt to the boiling water.
Tip: The water should taste as salty as the sea to properly season the pasta.
Get the vegetables ready for cooking.
Snap the ends off the asparagus.
Tip: Snap asparagus ends to avoid wasting edible parts.
Cut sugar snap peas into bite-sized pieces.
Add fresh English peas to the vegetable mix.
Tip: Frozen peas can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh peas.
Sauté all vegetables in butter for 3 to 4 minutes.
Tip: Add a teaspoon of pasta water to prevent vegetables from browning.
Add garlic to the pan for the last minute of cooking.
Tip: Add pepper at the end to preserve its fresh flavor.
Cook the pasta in the boiling water.
Tip: Use any pasta you like; it's forgiving and will work well.
Toss hot pasta with sautéed vegetables, crème fraîche, and cheese.
Add more salt to taste.
Tip: For a lighter sauce, consider adding a bit of pasta water.
Plate the pasta primavera and enjoy.
Tip: Tarragon adds a unique licorice freshness to the dish.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Pasta
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Pasta Primavera is a versatile dish that can incorporate any seasonal vegetables.
- •Using fresh pasta enhances the dish's flavor and texture.
- •Crème fraîche adds creaminess and a tangy flavor to the sauce.
- •Asparagus is best when purchased in spring, as it is fresher and sweeter.
