Show me a pasta dish that isn’t topped with a thick, heavy sauce and you have my attention. Sure, fettuccine alfredo tastes delicious, but is it remotely good for you? No. My favorite pasta dishes are ones that have a light sauce that’s formed from the veggies in a dish paired with broth or light spices/herbs. I made this easy springtime dish last week and B and I enjoyed leftovers for lunch. If you’re looking for some added protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would be great in this!
Springtime Pasta Primavera
via iowa girl eats
ingredients:
1/2 lb. gemelli (or other short-cut pasta)
1 c. trimmed & chopped asparagus
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp butter (I used about 3/4 tbsp)
1/2 small sweet onion, chopped
1 yellow summer squash, sliced
salt & pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/2 c. chicken broth
1/4 c. half & half
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
1/2 c. basil, chopped
directions:
Add pasta to a large pot of salted, boiling water. When pasta has 2 minutes left, add broccoli florets. 1 minute later add chopped asparagus. Cook for 1 additional minute then drain and return to the pot. Meanwhile, heat extra virgin olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat then add onion, season with salt and pepper, and then saute until translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add summer squash, a touch more salt and pepper, and then saute until squash is slightly softened, 3 minutes.
Add garlic and tomatoes then saute until tomatoes are warm and slightly bursting, 2 minutes.Add chicken broth to the skillet, let reduce for 1 minute, then add pasta, broccoli, and asparagus to the skillet. Add half & half, parmesan cheese, and basil to the skillet then stir to combine. Turn off heat and let sauce thicken for 1 minute then taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Enjoy!
xx
This looks so good I am almost craving it now! I book marked this for later 🙂 thanks for sharing!
http://www.madeintheshadeblog.com
This looks Amazing!! I love lighter pasta dishes esp for summer! I think i would trade out the summer squash for zucchini though! Will be making this soon! 🙂
Yum – this is really perfect for the hotter months but when you still crave pasta!!
yum! sounds delicious! perfect for summer. xo jillian – cornflake dreams
That looks so good and would also be delicious as a cold leftover pasta as well!
I’m definitely going to try this soon! The weather in NC is in the upper 80s and 90s this week, so this would be perfect! xo
OMG this sounds amazing! I’m definitely making this for lunches next week! I love a good, light pasta dish!
<3, Pamela
sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com
i agree with the sauces. i like a light white wine/lemon/basil sauce.
this looks so good!!! definitely addicted to white wine/lemon!!
Love a good light garlic/olive oil/lemon base with some fresh herbs and tons of veggies. It just brings out the flavor instead of drowning it in cream ha.
yum yum yum!! healthy with all the veggies and this dish won’t make you feel heavy especially in the summer months, looks like a winner to me!
I LOVE pasta! This would be so great hot or as cold leftovers the next day! Yummmm!
This looks delicious and perfect for summertime! We are growing some cherry tomatoes so I love adding them to dishes since we get SO many!
YUM! Looks so delicious! Great recipe for summer dinner parties!
This looks so good and light! I have to try it!
This looks so yummy and healthy! I love finding different pasta salad recipes- perfect for an easy week night meal or to bring to a cook out!