Garlic Parmesan Spring Vegetable Pasta (Printable)

Penne with fresh asparagus, peas, and green beans in a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 7 oz asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
03 - 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
04 - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

→ Sauce

05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
07 - 1/4 cup vegetable broth
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
09 - 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
12 - Zest of 1 lemon
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Garnish

14 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
15 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add asparagus, green beans, and peas to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still bright green.
04 - Pour vegetable broth into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth.
06 - Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky, cohesive sauce.
07 - Add black pepper, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
08 - Transfer to serving bowls immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The vegetables stay snappy bright instead of turning into that sad army green that haunted my childhood dinners
  • Everything cooks in one skillet while the pasta bubbles away making it perfect for those nights when doing dishes sounds like actual torture
02 -
  • The pasta water trick changed my entire cooking life and I cant believe I spent years pouring that liquid gold down the drain
  • Overcooking the vegetables into mush is the one mistake that will ruin this dish so keep them bright and snappy
03 -
  • Grate your Parmesan from a wedge instead of buying pre grated because the texture difference is honestly shocking
  • Freeze your lemon zest in tiny portions if you ever have extra and thank yourself later
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