Chef John's Pasta Primavera

4.4
(210)

Chef John's pasta primavera recipe is quite straightforward. Spaghetti or fettuccine is tossed with an array of fresh spring vegetables. When done right, this is one of the year's great seasonal recipes. It looks, smells, and tastes like a cool, sunny spring day.

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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 1 bunch fresh basil

  • 3 cups chicken broth, divided

  • ½ cup olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • 1 pound fettuccine

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, chopped

  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped

  • 2 jalapeño chile peppers, seeded and diced

  • 2 pinches salt

  • 2 zucchini, diced

  • 1 cup chopped sugar snap peas

  • ½ cup shelled English peas

  • 1 bunch asparagus, stalks diced, tips left whole

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, or as needed

Directions

  1. Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water; set next to stovetop. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Hold basil bunch by stems; dip basil leaves in boiling water until bright green, about 2 seconds. Immediately immerse basil in ice water for several minutes to stop the cooking process. Drain well. Remove basil leaves from stems; discard stems.

  2. Combine basil leaves, 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup olive oil, and garlic together in a blender; blend until smooth.

  3. Return the same pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook fettuccine at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain; transfer to a large bowl.

  4. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add leek and green onions; cook and stir until softened, about 5 minutes. Add jalapeño and salt; cook and stir until jalapeño is soft, about 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high. Stir in remaining 2 cups chicken broth, zucchini, sugar snap peas, and English peas; bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Add asparagus; cook until asparagus is soft, about 3 minutes.

  5. Add 1/4 cup basil-garlic purée to vegetable mixture; cook and stir until heated through, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.

  6. Pour vegetable mixture over fettuccine; toss. Add remaining basil-garlic purée, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and toss briefly to combine. Wrap bowl tightly with aluminum foil; set aside until fettuccine and vegetables soak up most of the juices and oil, about 5 minutes. Toss.

687 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

590 Calories
27g Fat
73g Carbs
19g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 590
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 27g 34%
Saturated Fat 5g 24%
Cholesterol 8mg 3%
Sodium 607mg 26%
Total Carbohydrate 73g 26%
Dietary Fiber 8g 29%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 19g 37%
Vitamin C 38mg 43%
Calcium 204mg 16%
Iron 6mg 34%
Potassium 708mg 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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