Spring Pasta Primavera

 "Primavera" means "spring" in Italian, making this vibrant pasta dish the quintessential spring meal. Bursting with seasonal vegetables in a light, lemony sauce, this pasta primavera celebrates the best produce of the season. The combination of tender asparagus, sweet peas, and crisp broccoli creates a colorful medley that's as nutritious as it is delicious. This versatile recipe can be customized with whatever spring vegetables look best at your market, making it a perfect canvas for seasonal cooking.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

        Cook Time: 20 minutes

🍗   Serves: 6

🛒 Ingredients:

• 14 oz (400g) penne pasta
• 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cups fresh peas
• 2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• Juice of half a lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add asparagus and bell pepper, cook for 3 minutes.
5. Add broccoli and peas, cook for another 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet.
7. Add lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and enough pasta water to create a light sauce.
8. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and cheese is melted.
9. Sprinkle with basil leaves, salt, and black pepper.
10. Serve warm.

📝 Serving suggestion:

Add a basket of warm garlic bread or rosemary focaccia to round out the meal. For protein, consider adding grilled chicken breast slices, sautéed shrimp, or cannellini beans. 

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