To start, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Don’t forget to salt the water generously—this is your chance to season the pasta as it cooks! When the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually about 10 to 12 minutes for al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process; set the pasta aside in a very large bowl.
While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and starts to foam, toss in the diced red onion and carrots. Sauté these for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots are tender.
Now it’s time to add the garlic. Stir it into the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute while stirring constantly. You’ll want to watch for the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
Next, add in the diced asparagus, bell peppers, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté these colorful vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently. They should be tender yet still crisp. This is where you can check the texture; if you prefer softer veggies, feel free to cook them a little longer.
In this step, add the yellow squash and frozen peas to the mix and continue sautéing for another 2 to 3 minutes. Again, keep an eye on the texture. The goal is to have a variety of textures from crisp to tender, making each bite exciting.
Once the vegetables are perfectly cooked, transfer them to the bowl with the pasta. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and give everything a gentle stir to combine. Set this mixture aside momentarily while you prepare the sauce.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. This creamy sauce is the heart of the Pasta Primavera, and you want it well combined and smooth.
Drizzle the sauce evenly over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, stir very well to combine everything, ensuring that the sauce coats all the pasta and vegetables. This step is crucial for flavor!
Now comes the important part: taste the dish! Check for seasoning and adjust with salt and black pepper to your liking. Remember, this is a substantial dish, so don’t hesitate to add enough seasoning to make the flavors pop. Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes here if you like a little heat.
Finally, fold in the minced parsley and basil. These fresh herbs will not only enhance the flavor but will also add a beautiful aroma. Serve the Pasta Primavera immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese on top for a rich finishing touch.
