Spinach Pasta Primavera
A vibrant, creamy spinach pasta primavera featuring colorful vegetables and a rich sherry Parmesan sauce, perfect for a hearty vegetarian main or a lively family dinner.
Ingredients
- 18 oz. spinach fettuccine ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 large shallot
- 2 c. heavy whipping cream ⓘ
- 1 c. dry sherry ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 small yellow squash
- 1 small zucchini squash ⓘ
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 large blanched carrot ⓘ
- 1 large green chili pepper ⓘ
- 1 bunch broccoli florets
- 1/2 bunch celery ⓘ
- 1 oz. grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Thinly slice yellow squash, zucchini squash, red bell pepper, carrot, and green chili pepper.
- Cook the spinach fettuccine in boiling, salted water for 10 minutes or until desired tenderness.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced shallot and sauté until translucent.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and dry sherry, stirring to combine.
- Add the nutmeg and stir well.
- Stir in the sliced vegetables and cook until tender but still crisp.
- Add the blanched broccoli florets and chopped celery, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and vegetables, mixing thoroughly.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding minced garlic to the butter before sautéing the shallots. If you want a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth. For a twist, you can use whole wheat fettuccine or gluten-free pasta. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also elevate the dish. Don’t forget to check out more vegetarian recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Christmas Cream for dessert, creating a delightful dining experience. For added protein, grilled chicken or shrimp can be served alongside, making it versatile for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pasta rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Pasta Primavera contains roughly 403 calories, with 18g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (174% of the Daily Value), iron (89% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 483mg per serving (21% 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 different vegetables in this recipe?
You can also add seasonal vegetables based on availability, making it a flexible dish year-round.
Is this pasta primavera suitable for meal prep?
Make sure to add the cheese right before serving for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This adaptation maintains the integrity of the flavors while being suitable for vegan diets.
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).