Springtime Noodles(Tagliarini Primavera)
Bright and fresh, Tagliarini Primavera combines tender noodles with vibrant spring vegetables, herbs, and creamy Parmesan for a light, flavorful dish perfect for any season.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. asparagus ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup baked ham, slivered ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium zucchini, diced ⓘ
- 8 oz. thin noodles ⓘ
- 3 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup frozen peas ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- Dash of nutmeg
- Dash of white pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 pint whipping cream ⓘ
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- Fresh parsley, chopped ⓘ
- Additional Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut asparagus diagonally into 1 inch lengths, leaving tips whole.
- In a wide frying pan over medium heat, melt the margarine.
- Add sliced mushrooms, slivered baked ham, asparagus, sliced carrot, and diced zucchini; cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.
- Cover the pan and cook for 1 more minute.
- Meanwhile, cook the thin noodles in a large kettle of boiling salted water until al dente; drain well.
- Add green onions, frozen peas, dry basil, salt, a dash of nutmeg, a dash of white pepper, and whipping cream to the vegetable mixture.
- Increase heat to high and cook until the liquid boils well and forms large shiny bubbles.
- Return the drained noodles to the kettle in which they were cooked.
- Pour the vegetable mixture over the noodles and lift and mix gently until the noodles are thoroughly coated.
- Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix again.
- Turn into a warm serving bowl and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can substitute any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or snap peas, to customize the dish. If you prefer a protein boost, add cooked chicken or shrimp, which pairs beautifully with this recipe. To enhance the creaminess, whisk in a little cream cheese along with the whipping cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Italian recipes like Pasta Fagioli (Beans) or grilled chicken for added protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through, ensuring the noodles remain tender and the sauce creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Springtime Noodles(Tagliarini Primavera) contains roughly 806 calories, with 40g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (141% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (130% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2354mg per serving (102% 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 make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the baked ham and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also include additional vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant to enhance the flavor and texture.
How can I make the dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the thin noodles with gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. Always check labels to ensure all other ingredients, such as the margarine and Parmesan cheese, are gluten-free as well.
What kind of noodles should I use?
For this recipe, thin noodles like tagliarini or angel hair work best due to their delicate texture. If you prefer, you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles, but cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure they are al dente.
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).