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Healthy Pasta Primavera Recipe with Boursin Cheese

Healthy Pasta Primavera: Penne pasta tossed with a medley of fresh vegetables and a creamy and flavorful garlic sauce made with Boursin cheese.

Healthy pasta primavera

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‘Tis the season for a delicious vegetable-filled meal with a chilled glass of white wine.  I just love it so much!  Discovering a recipe that balances both taste and nutrition can often be a challenge. This Healthy Pasta Primavera, however, is delicious comfort food that’s packed with vegetables. It combines penne pasta with a delightful mix of fresh vegetables and a creamy sauce made with Boursin cheese. This dish is a hearty meal that is a great addition to your recipes for the summer months.

Fresh and Flavorful Healthy Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera serves as a wonderful way to include more vegetables in your diet  (and your kid’s diet) while enjoying a comforting and delicious dish. The variety of fresh vegetables brings color and texture to the plate, while the Boursin cheese offers a creamy richness without overwhelming heaviness. 

Healthy pasta primavera

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced – This is not the time to use the jarred stuff.  This recipe needs to be fresh, fresh, fresh!
  • 1/2 cup fresh asparagus, sliced into 1″ pieces
  • 2-3 cups broccoli florets, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 round Boursin cheese (Shallot & Chive flavor)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup frozen petit peas, thawed
  • 1 cup Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Fresh lemon slices, for garnish and squeezing over the top
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (add a little at a time if needed)

Instructions For Healthy Creamy Pasta Primavera 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the penne pasta in salted, boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. For the last 2 minutes of cooking time add the broccoli, asparagus, and petit peas to the boiling water to blanch. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta water aside.
  2. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Lower the heat and pour in the milk. Add the Boursin cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.  Add the parmesan cheese and stir until combined.
  3. Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Add the cooked penne pasta, broccoli, asparagus, and peas to the skillet with the creamy vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water about a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.  Turn off the heat.
  4. Add Final Touches: Stir in halved cherry and grape tomatoes, and the torn basil leaves. 
  5. Serve and Garnish: Garnish with lemon slices and more parmesan cheese if you would like. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
healthy pasta primavera
Screenshot

Tips for Perfect Pasta Primavera

  • Vegetable Variety: Use a mix of your favorite seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
  • Creamy Sauce Consistency: Adjust the amount of pasta water added to achieve a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
  • Garnish Effect: The fresh basil and lemon slices add a bright, refreshing touch to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Healthy Pasta Primavera with Boursin cheese is a versatile dish that can stand alone as a complete meal or be paired with other dishes. Here are some serving ideas:

  • Garlic Bread: Serve alongside for a comforting addition.
  • Grilled Chicken Breast or Shrimp: Add some extra protein for a heartier meal.
  • Side Salad: Pair with a fresh garden salad for extra greens.
  • Toppings: Extra parmesan cheese, fresh lemon zest, a few extra fresh herbs like parsley and basil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for spice, 

Vegetable Variations

You might want to customize this dish to utilize some fresh veggies from your garden or local farmer’s market.  Here are a few other suggestions:

  • Thinly sliced red bell pepper or yellow bell peppers
  • Yellow squash cut into half-moons
  • Sliced green onions
  • ​Thinly sliced red onion

**Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.

Healthy Pasta Primavera

Printable Recipe Card

Healthy Pasta Primavera Recipe with Boursin Cheese

Penne pasta tossed with a medley of fresh vegetables and a creamy sauce made with Boursin cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup asparagus sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup Cherry and grape tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup petit peas
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 round Boursin cheese Shallot & Chive
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish
  • Fresh lemon slices for garnish and squeezing over the top
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water add a little at a time if needed

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the penne pasta in salted, boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. For the last 2 minutes of cooking time add the broccoli, asparagus, and petit peas to the boiling water to blanch. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta water aside.
  • Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Lower the heat and pour in the milk. Add the Boursin cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until combined.
  • Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Add the cooked penne pasta, broccoli, asparagus, and peas to the skillet with the creamy vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water about a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency. Turn off the heat.
  • Add Final Touches: Stir in halved cherry and grape tomatoes, and the torn basil leaves.
  • Serve and Garnish: Garnish with lemon slices and more parmesan cheese if you would like. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

You can add more vegetables if you want, it’s up to you!

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