Pasta Primavera: Light and Spring Vegetable Focused

Ingredients

• 12 oz dry penne or fusilli pasta
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup reserved starchy pasta water
• 225 g thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 150 g snap peas or frozen sweet peas
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 150 g zucchini, quartered and sliced
• 60 g fresh baby spinach
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 50 g freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonade

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Drop the 12 oz dry penne or fusilli and cook until 2 minutes shy of the package instructions. Note: The pasta finishes cooking in the vegetable pan, absorbing flavor rather than just water.

2. 2

   While the pasta boils, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in your large skillet over medium high heat. Add the yellow bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for 3 minutes until the edges show a light golden sear.

3. 3

   Toss in the 4 cloves thinly sliced garlic and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and translucent but not brown.

4. 4

   Add the 225g asparagus and 150g snap peas to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the asparagus turns a vibrant, electric green.

5. 5

   Before draining the pasta, carefully dip a measuring cup into the pot and reserve 1/2 cup starchy pasta water. Drain the rest of the pasta.

6. 6

   Add the drained pasta and the 1/2 cup pasta water to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss vigorously over medium heat until the liquid reduces and coats the noodles.

7. 7

   Fold in the 60g fresh baby spinach. Stir for 30 seconds until the leaves just begin to wilt.

8. 8

   Turn off the heat. Add the 50g Parmigiano Reggiano, the lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss well until the cheese melts into a velvety glaze.

9. 9

   Top with the 1/4 cup fresh basil. Serve immediately while the colors are at their peak.