Spaghetti Primavera(Serves Four)
A vibrant and fresh pasta dish featuring colorful vegetables and fragrant basil, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. The Primavera combines tender greens, mushrooms, and tomatoes with creamy Parmesan and butter, making it a versatile option suitable for spring or summer dining with family or friends.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch broccoli ⓘ
- 2 small zucchini ⓘ
- 4 asparagus spears ⓘ
- 1.5 cups green beans ⓘ
- 0.5 cups frozen peas ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 6 basil leaves ⓘ
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic ⓘ
- 3 cups seeded tomatoes ⓘ
- 0.25 cups chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 pound spaghetti ⓘ
- 0.5 stick butter ⓘ
- 0.5 cups heavy cream ⓘ
- 0.666 cups Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, and green beans in boiling, salted water for 4 minutes.
- Add frozen peas and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Drain the vegetables and set aside.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Mix in the cooked vegetables and chopped basil.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, stirring until cheese melts.
- Combine the sauce with cooked spaghetti and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth or use a plant-based cream. If you can't find fresh basil, dried basil can work in a pinch, but use only half the amount as it's more concentrated. You can also swap out vegetables based on what's in season or on hand—carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas would be great additions. If you're looking for more Italian recipes, consider serving alongside Cheesy Garlic Bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spaghetti Primavera with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for added flavor. A side salad or garlic bread complements the dish well. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. This dish also works wonderfully as a vegetarian option for gatherings or as a main course alongside a light appetizer, such as Italian Stratta.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Spaghetti Primavera can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Primavera(Serves Four) contains roughly 1699 calories, with 88g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (414% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (248% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1569mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
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 other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Spaghetti Primavera is versatile, and you can customize it with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach can be great additions. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to maintain their texture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep! You can cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving. This will help keep the pasta from getting soggy. Store the components in separate containers in the fridge, and they'll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version of Spaghetti Primavera, substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, use plant-based cream, and omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The flavors will still be delicious and satisfying!
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).