Description
Creamy Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and comforting dish featuring colorful fresh vegetables and a smooth, rich sauce made with plant-based cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers a perfectly balanced meal that’s indulgent yet wholesome, ideal for lunch or dinner any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 300g fusilli or penne pasta
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 8 asparagus spears, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
Sauce
- 150g plant-based cheese, shredded or cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Herbs and Seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, 2 tbsp
- Fresh parsley leaves, chopped, 2 tbsp
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fusilli or penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté fresh vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chopped bell pepper, zucchini, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes. Stir gently and sauté until the vegetables are tender but still crisp and maintain vibrant colors, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the creamy sauce: Lower the heat and stir in plant-based cheese and the natural gelling agent. Mix continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky and smooth. Add apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), stirring well to combine and create a balanced tangy and umami flavor.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Fold in fresh basil and parsley just before serving for a fresh herbal uplift.
- Serve warm and enjoy: Plate the Creamy Pasta Primavera immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor. Garnish with extra chopped basil and parsley if desired.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality vegetables for optimal flavor and texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness perfectly if needed.
- Use the natural gelling agent sparingly to achieve creaminess without overpowering the dish.
- Toss the pasta quickly with the sauce to ensure every bite is well coated.
- Add fresh herbs last to preserve their bright color and vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: creamy pasta primavera, plant-based pasta, vegetarian pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, vegetable pasta dish
