Casarecce Primavera Recipe
Zucchini, spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushroom, garlic, olive oil
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Vegetables & aromatics
Sauce & seasoning
Method
Pasta
Cook pasta
Bring 4 cups water to a rolling boil in a large pot with 1 tbsp kosher salt. Add 12 oz casarecce and cook according to package for al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve 3/4 cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.
Vegetables & aromatics
Prepare vegetables
Trim ends of zucchini and cut into half-moons about 1/4-inch thick (should measure ~2 cups). Slice mushrooms thinly (about 8 oz). Halve cherry tomatoes (1.5 cups). Mince 4 cloves garlic and finely dice 1/2 cup onion. Measure spinach (4 cups).
Sauté aromatics
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt; cook 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring so garlic doesn't brown.
Cook mushrooms & zucchini
Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook 4–5 minutes until they release liquid and begin to brown. Push mushrooms to the side, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil if skillet looks dry, then add zucchini slices. Sauté zucchini 3–4 minutes until just tender and lightly browned.
Add tomatoes & deglaze
Add halved cherry tomatoes and 1 tbsp white wine (optional) or skip. Cook 2 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften. Pour in 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add spinach
Add 4 cups fresh spinach in batches, stirring until wilted (about 1–2 minutes). Season vegetable mixture with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, taste and adjust.
Finish & serve
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained casarecce to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss to combine over low heat. Add reserved pasta cooking water, 2–4 tbsp at a time, until the sauce lightly coats the pasta (use about 1/2 cup reserved water or as needed). Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice.
Add cheese & herbs: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil until creamy. Check seasoning and add more salt or pepper if needed.