Jarlsberg Pasta Primavera
A vibrant, creamy pasta primavera featuring fresh vegetables and melted Jarlsberg cheese, perfect for a quick, flavorful vegetarian meal that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup carrots, julienne strips ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green onions, 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 8 ounces thin spaghetti, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 cup half and half ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook the zucchini, carrots, green onions, and mushrooms in butter until just tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add the flour and blend well.
- Gradually add the half and half, cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Season with basil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Jarlsberg cheese and cook, stirring, until melted.
- Add broccoli and cook briefly.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese and vegetable mixture.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding more Jarlsberg cheese or a splash of heavy cream. You can substitute the zucchini with yellow squash or bell peppers for a different flavor. If you're short on time, pre-cut vegetables can save you prep work. This dish is also versatile; feel free to include other seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with freshly grated Jarlsberg cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Pair it with a light salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. It also goes well with a glass of white wine, making it a delightful choice for a cozy dinner. For more ideas, explore other vegetarian recipes that highlight seasonal produce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta rubbery. Reheating on the stove helps retain the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jarlsberg Pasta Primavera contains roughly 402 calories, with 14g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (235% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 18g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Jarlsberg?
Yes, you can substitute Jarlsberg with Gruyère or Emmental for a similar flavor profile. If you're looking for a sharper taste, consider using aged cheddar. However, the melting qualities of the cheese are important, so choose one that melts well to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetable and sauce mixture ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator and cook the pasta fresh when you're ready to serve. Combine everything right before serving for the best texture. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Is this pasta primavera recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This Jarlsberg Pasta Primavera is a delightful vegetarian dish, packed with fresh vegetables and creamy sauce. It's perfect for those following a vegetarian diet, and you can easily adapt it by adding more vegetables or using gluten-free pasta if necessary. Explore more vegetarian recipes to keep your meals exciting!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).