Fettuccine Primavera

This quintessential springtime pasta includes lots and lots of fresh herbs, as well as leafy greens. The specific vegetables and herbs used are up to you; choose what looks best at the market.


Fettuccine Primavera


by 3  people


read comments


add your rating
add a comment

Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: Serves six
See More Fine Cooking Magazine Recipes
Ingredients
 
savings in
 
  •     Kosher saltOn Sale
  • 1  pound  fettuccineOn Sale
  • 2  tablespoons  unsalted butter, cut into chunksOn Sale
  • 2  cloves  garlic, mincedOn Sale
  • 3  cups  very thinly sliced mixed spring vegetables, such as asparagus (leave tips whole), baby carrots, baby leeks, baby turnips, baby zucchini, spring onions, and sugar snap peasOn Sale
  • 1  cup  whole, shelled fresh or thawed frozen peas, baby lima beans (preferably peeled), or fava beans (peeled); or a mix of allOn Sale
  • 1  cup  heavy creamOn Sale
  • 1  tablespoon  thinly sliced lemon zest (remove zest with a vegetable peeler and thinly slice)On Sale
  • 2  cups  loosley packed pea shoots, watercress sprigs, or baby arugulaOn Sale
  • 1/2  cup  freshly grated Parmigiano ReggianoOn Sale
  • 1/2  cup  roughly chopped mixed fresh herbs such as basil, chervil, chives, mint, parsley, and tarragonOn Sale
  • 1/4  teaspoon  crushed red pepper flakesOn Sale
  •     Freshly ground black pepperOn Sale
  • 1/4  cup  toasted pine nutsOn Sale

Directions
1.
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 6 minutes. (While pasta is cooking, scoop out 1-1/2 cups of pasta cooking water.)
2.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a 10-inch straight-sided saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, but not browned, about 1 minute. Add 1 cup of of reserved pasta water. Add the sliced vegetables and peas or lima beans (if using fresh). Cover and simmer until the vegetables are just tender, about 3 minutes. Add the cream and lemon zest along with any fava beans or thawed, frozen peas or lima beans (if using). Bring to a simmer.
3.
Drain the fettuccine and return to its cooking pot. Toss with the vegetables and cream sauce, pea shoots (or watercress or arugula), Parmigiano, all but 1 tablespoon of the herbs, and the pepper flakes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If necessary, adjust the consistency of the sauce with the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water; the sauce should generously coat the vegetables and pasta. Serve immediately, sprinkled with the remaining fresh herbs and the pine nuts.

Add Your Review

Recommended Recipe:
Healthy Carbonara
Healthy Carbonara

Fat-free half-and-half makes a low-fat cream sauce for the pasta, bacon, and peas in this 20 minute dinner.

See Recipe