One Pot Pasta Primavera is packed with veggies, fresh basil and cooks up in a creamy sauce. It's a vegetarian dinner the family will love, and it's on the table in 30 minutes!
1/2lb.asparagustough stems removed, cut into 1" pieces on the bias
1largeleekwhite and light green parts only, sliced into half moons
1cupfresh or frozen peasthawed if frozen
3clovesgarlicminced
4cupslow sodium vegetable stock
8ouncesdried pasta
1/4cupheavy cream
1lemonzested and juiced
1/3cupfreshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2cupchopped fresh basil
salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
Heat a large skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and pinch of salt and sauté until browned and somewhat softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, and add the asparagus, leek, peas, and garlic, and sauté until the asparagus is crisp tender, about 2-3 minutes. Place the veggies in a bowl and set aside.
Add the stock or water to the pot and scrape any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the pasta, heavy cream, and stir. Bring to a boil, and cook at a high simmer until the pasta is tender, about 12 minutes depending on the type of pasta used. Stir in the lemon juice, zest and veggies into the pot during the last few minutes of cooking time so the flavors can meld together. When the pasta is finished cooking, there will still be some liquid that hasn't been absorbed -- it will be absorbed as the pasta sits after cooking.
Stir in the parmesan cheese and lemon zest, and taste. Stir in the basil and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Enjoy!
Notes
Pro tip: Prep the veggies beforehand to make this meal go even more quickly!
I separated the veggies from the dish until the end of cooking time to prevent them from being overcooked. They retain a greener color this way as well!
You can swap out the pasta and veggies I've used for your favorite! For a protein boost, add white beans or your favorite protein source.
Leftover pasta primavera will keep in an air tight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.