Healthy Pasta Primavera
Ingredients
- 1 medium squash or zuccini
- 1/3 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/3 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 sweet orange peppers, cored, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips
- 3/4 pound spaghetti
- 3/4 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Shaved Parmesan, optional
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add asparagus and green beans; cook 4 minutes. Add peppers and cook 1 more minute. Scoop out vegetables with a large slotted spoon and place in a colander. Rinse under cold water.
Add pasta to boiling water and cook following package directions, about 9 minutes. Drain; return to pot.
While pasta is cooking, place half-and-half, chicken broth, salt, pepper and nutmeg in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add cooked veggies. squash and tomatoes. Cook, stirring a few times, about 1 minute, 30 seconds. Spoon into pasta pot. Stir grated cheese into the half- and-half mixture. Add to pasta and gently stir in parsley until all ingredients are combined. Allow to stand for 5 minutes. Shave Parmesan on top, if desired.