Primavera translates in English to Spring. So, Pasta Primavera simply means “Spring Pasta.” If you’re a gardener, you can pull inspiration from what’s growing in your backyard. We highly recommend you make this pasta with fresh-grown tomatoes, asparagus, and spinach. We know not everyone loves their veggies, but this pasta dish will make you a believer!

For more light pasta recipes, try our 15 Minute Easy Pasta Fresca.

Why Our Recipe

  • An easy pasta dish made in only 20 minutes!
  • Light and fresh and loaded with veggies like asparagus and artichoke hearts.
  • Customize this dish with our suggestions below! Swap out veggies you don’t love or add a protein!
Closeup of Creamy Pasta Primavera in a cast iron skillet.

Sometimes you just want a bit more substance to your pasta. If you love a really creamy sauce, you can easily turn this into an extra creamy pasta primavera by adding 1 cup of heavy cream to this recipe. Allow it to heat through and then add the lemon juice and parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Whichever variation you prefer, this is sure to be a hit!

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients used to make Creamy Pasta Primavera.
  • Penne Pasta: Just use from the box and cook to al dente.
  • Olive Oil: Use a light, neutral oil to sauté veggies. You can also use avocado or vegetable oil.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic does work too. Jarred just has a less sweet, slightly more bitter flavor.
  • Red Onion: Feel free to substitute with white or yellow onions based on your preference.
  • Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Either of these works. Cut them in half or quarters for the perfect bite. You can even use a mix of yellow and red tomatoes.
  • Asparagus: Make sure to rinse and trim, cutting in 2-inch, bite-sized pieces.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Drain and rinse before cooking. Feel free to chop up for smaller pieces, or throw them in whole!
  • Frozen Peas: Frozen peas are so easy and convenient. They cook well in the skillet with no need to thaw beforehand.
  • Lemon Juice: Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch!
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives you the best texture and melts better without de-clumping additives.

Add Some Protein!

Looking for a more substantial meal? Grilled chicken or shrimp are delicious in pasta primavera. Season the chicken or shrimp with salt and pepper, and sauté in butter or olive oil until cooked. Add to the pan when everything else is finished cooking. Or, try my recipe for Chicken Pasta Primavera.

Veggie Options

Pasta Primavera is all about spring veggies. You can mix and match with as many different spring vegetables as you like. Spring vegetables include: artichokes, asparagus, carrots, fava beans, leeks, morel mushrooms, peas, potatoes, radishes, ramps, scallions, and spinach.

Closeup of Creamy Pasta Primavera on a plate.

Pasta Options

You can use any shape of pasta that you’d like. Penne has a similar shape to the vegetables you add to the dish, making it convenient and easy to eat, but don’t be afraid to switch things up with any shaped pasta you like. Other pasta options that would work well with this recipe include farfalle (bow tie), shells, or cavatappi.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat portions in the microwave on high in 30-second increments.

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