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spring radiance pasta primavera recipe - Spring Radiance Pasta Primavera served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Spring Radiance Pasta Primavera

spring radiance pasta primavera recipe made easy at home. A vibrant, creamy pasta primavera bursting with crisp spring vegetables and a kiss of lemon that bri
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 lb penne pasta or other short pasta
  • 2 Tbsp salt for pasta water
Vegetables
  • 1 cup asparagus trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas halved or whole if small
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas thawed
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
Sauce
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream room temperature
  • 1 tsp lemon zest finely grated
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn, plus more for garnish
  • to taste salt and black pepper

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons salt. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. While pasta cooks, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add asparagus and snap peas; blanch for 2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain again.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, do not brown.
  4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Add blanched asparagus, snap peas, thawed peas, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce. Add drained pasta, Parmesan, and torn basil. Toss vigorously, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until sauce is glossy and coats pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Transfer to a large serving bowl. Top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a crack of black pepper. Serve hot.