Garden Pasta Primavera
Ingredients
- 6 ounces fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces (2 cups)
- ½ cup carrots, bias sliced
- 6 ounces fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inches pieces (1½ cups)
- 1 cup broccoli or cauliflower flowerets
- 12 oz. dried fettuccine, linguine, vermicelli or spaghetti
- 1 small red and/or yellow sweet pepper, cut into julienne strips
- 1 small zucchini or yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and sliced (1 cup)
- 1 small Vidalia onion, cut into wedges
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup chicken broth (sodium free)
- ¾ cup whipping cream (look for highest fat content)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ c. block Parmesan cheese, then shred it finely
- 2 ounces prosciutto, cooked ham or chicken (personally, I’d add more)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil, crushed
- ½ c. finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook the beans and carrots in small amount of boiling water for 5 minutes. Add zucchini, asparagus, broccoli or cauliflower and return to boil.
- Reduce heat, cover and cook 5 minutes more or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Drain, saving water to cook spaghetti.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce in a medium sauce pan. Cook onion and garlic in hot butter over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes or until tender but not brown. Stir in chicken broth. Bring to boil and reduce heat.
- In a small bowl, stir together whipping cream and flour. Add the cream mixture to saucepan. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.
- Stir in the ½ cup Parmesan cheese, prosciutto or cooked ham. (NOTE: Heat meat before adding to mixture.) Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Pour sauce over pasta and vegetables; toss gently to coat.
- Arrange pasta mixture on a large serving platter.
- Sprinkle with additional fresh Parmesan and garnish with basil sprigs if desired.
Notes
COOK’S TIP: Prepare vegetables night before and entertain with ease! This dish makes 6 main-dish servings.