Pasta Primavera Alfredo Recipe

Cook pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water (about 1 tbsp salt per 4 quarts water) to a rolling boil. Add the 12 oz pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions (usually 9–11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Make roux/garlic base

While pasta cooks, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a wide sauté pan over medium heat. Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and the thinly sliced shallot and cook, stirring, until fragrant and softened, about 1–1.5 minutes—do not brown. Sprinkle 2 tsp flour over the garlic and shallot and cook 30–45 seconds, stirring, to remove raw flour taste.

Add liquids

Slowly whisk in 1 cup whole milk and 3 tbsp heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer (do not boil). Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3–4 minutes.

Finish Alfredo

Reduce heat to low and whisk in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached (you may need 2–6 tbsp). Stir in 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Keep sauce warm on the lowest heat while you finish vegetables. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Sauté vegetables

In a separate large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers, 1 cup zucchini, and 1 cup asparagus pieces. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4–5 minutes.

Add 0.5 cup green peas, 0.5 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and the 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Cook another 1–2 minutes just to warm the peas and soften the tomatoes slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley. If using red pepper flakes, add 1/4 tsp now.

Combine pasta, sauce, and vegetables

Add the drained pasta to the pan with the Alfredo sauce and toss gently to coat, using a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Fold in the sautéed vegetables until evenly distributed. Heat together for 30–60 seconds so everything is warm and the flavors meld.

Finish and plate

Divide the Pasta Primavera Alfredo into 4 portions (or as specified in servings). Drizzle each portion with 1 tsp olive oil if desired and sprinkle 1 tbsp extra grated Parmesan per serving. Garnish with additional basil/parsley and a light grind of black pepper. Serve immediately.