Serves 6
45 min
Lightened Up Pasta Primavera
Recipe GLPR4d3b1468af84c8
A fresh, vibrant pasta dish brimming with spring vegetables in a silky, light cream sauce made with evaporated milk. Garden-fresh asparagus, bell peppers, carrots, and artichoke hearts are tossed with tender spaghetti and finished with a tangy Dijon mustard and lemon zest dressing, creating a satisfying yet lighter take on the classic Italian favorite.
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Ingredients
2 Tbsp. olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
¾ lb. asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 carrots, shaved with a peeler
1 (9-oz) can artichoke hearts, drained
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 (13.25-oz) box spaghetti
1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup 2% evaporated milk
Additional Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic to the oil and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden.
Add the asparagus, red bell pepper, carrot shavings, and drained artichoke hearts to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender-crisp.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the vegetables and toss to combine. Reduce heat to medium.
Pour in the reserved pasta water, then add the lemon zest, Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, and evaporated milk. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta and vegetables. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more pasta water as needed.
Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Divide among serving bowls, top with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
