This balsamic asparagus pasta primavera recipe is full of flavor. It is sure to be a favorite whenever asparagus is in season! The combination of sweet peppers, pungent garlic, tangy balsamic and olives and earthy asparagus and peas is amazing. This dish has a flavor profile and presentation worthy of a special occasion but is simple enough to make any day of the week.
Why this is the best pasta primavera recipe
This balsamic asparagus pasta primavera is the best. You are going to love it for so many reasons! First, it uses seasonal veggies as well as pantry staples like frozen peas and olives. Second, it is a really quick and easy recipe. It comes together in about 20 minutes which is really fast. The steps are simple and easy to execute for even a beginner cook. Third, the ingredient list is short and the price tag is fairly economical. Asparagus is probably the most expensive of the ingredients, otherwise it is quite a frugal, budget-friendly meal. Also, this one is easily customizable. Add parmesan if you like or nutritional yeast for a cheesy finish.
What is Pasta Primavera?
Pasta primavera is a term which describes a dish that is full of pasta and vegetables. The translation is Spring pasta which makes it worthy of my favorite Springtime vegetable: asparagus. Pasta primavera can contain any veggies you like and since the sauce itself is not soupy in nature, it even works well with all the bitter cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Normally in a truly saucy or stock laden pasta dish I avoid those because they can overpower a sauce quickly with their flavor. In my balsamic asparagus pasta primavera, I sauté the asparagus and peppers in oil and then deglaze with balsamic vinegar. This caramelizes and makes the flavors pop.
Ingredients for balsamic asparagus pasta primavera
The ingredients list for this vegan pasta dish is flexible. If asparagus is not in season, broccoli or zucchini are both great substitutes. Although this dish looks like a million bucks, it is actually very cheap to make. Many of the items are pantry ingredients that most of us often have on hand. I chose orecchiette pasta because I love how the sauce clings to the ridges but a great substitute is ziti or rigatoni.
- Garlic: Garlic infuses the sauce with a deep flavor. It is pungent and tasty.
- Onion: The quick caramelized onions lend so much flavor to this dish.
- Asparagus: This seasonal vegetable makes the dish look fancy!
- Frozen peas: Frozen peas are an affordable way to bump up the veggie content. Plus they give the dish protein!
- Cherry tomatoes: It's no secret cherry tomatoes are my favorites. They have so much fresh flavor!
- Kalamata olives: Kalamatas are the most tangy of the olives. They give little pops of flavor that go so well with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the balsamic.
- Baby bells : Baby bell peppers give pops of color and sweetness to this summery recipe.
- Tomato paste: Caramelized tomato paste thickens the sauce and gives a depth of flavor.
- Olive oil: Extra Virgin Olive oil is the best for sautéing plus it gives a great mouthfeel.
- Balsamic vinegar: Deglazing the hot pan with balsamic vinegar caramelizes the sugars and gives the pasta dish a distinct tang.
- Pasta: For this easy pasta dinner I used orecchiette pasta. Any pasta with ridges or spirals will give the sauce something to cling to.
How to make balsamic pasta primavera
This pasta recipe is extremely easy and quick to make. That is why I love it for a weeknight dinner or a nice lunch.
- Cook the pasta: Follow the box directions
- Make the sauce: Cook the veggies in a large deep pan, layering the ingredients as you go. It's really easy!
- Mix in the pasta once the sauce is finished, toss in the cooked pasta.
- Garnish and enjoy!
Tips for making the best pasta dishes
- When cooking the "sauce" it is important to start with hot oil to properly sear and brown the onions and garlic.
- Always taste as you go and adjust the seasonings. If you like it tangier, add more vinegar. Saltier or spicier? Add more salt and crushed pepper.
- When substituting ingredients, always keep in mind the hardiness of the vegetables. Vegetables that take longer to cook must be cut in smaller pieces and those that cook quickly cut larger. This is the best way to cook in one skillet.
Other crave worthy pasta recipes
Balsamic Asparagus Pasta Primavera
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 bunch asparagus ends trimmed, cut in thirds
- ¼ cup frozen peas
- 6 cherry tomatoes halved
- 6 kalamata olives pitted, diced in rings
- 4 baby bells deseeded and chopped
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- salt and black pepper
- 16 oz pasta
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to instructions on box, save some pasta water to add to sauce.
- Over medium heat in a deep sauté pan or skillet heat olive oil and then sauté garlic and onions until onions are browning and caramelizing about 5-7 mins.
- Add asparagus and baby bells, salt lightly and cook 3 mins stirring occasionally.
- Deglaze pan with balsamic vinegar and cook 2 mins.
- Add tomato paste and tomatoes and mix well then olives and peas.
- Add ¼ cup of the pasta water plus drained pasta to pot and mix well until all pasta is coated and super saucy then taste for salt and adjust to your taste.
- Garnish with black and crushed red pepper.
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