Author Notes: This technique means you’re cooking everything in the same pot you used to boil the pasta, so there’s less cleanup, but it’s not just about efficiency—this method makes sure the pasta is infused with the taste of fresh spring vegetables. —Miranda Keyes
Serves: 4
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients
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1
tablespoon olive oil
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1
small red onion, finely sliced
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2
cloves garlic, minced
-
1
cup loosely packed julienned carrot
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1
pound spaghettini pasta
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6
cups water, just boiled
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2
teaspoons salt
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1
small yellow zucchini, julienned, core discarded
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1/2
pound asparagus, ends trimmed, sliced into 1-inch pieces
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1
cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
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1/2
cup peas
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1/2
cup finely grated, loosely packed Parmesan cheese
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1
tablespoon lemon juice
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1/2
cup fresh basil
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2
tablespoons butter
Directions
- In a large, wide skillet with deep sides, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and carrot and cook until starting to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Add spaghettini pasta, hot water, and salt. Turn heat to high. Let pasta cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Add zucchini, asparagus and cherry tomatoes and continue cooking pasta, stirring often, until pasta and vegetables are tender and almost all of the water has been absorbed.
- Stir in peas, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, basil, and butter. Toss pasta until butter has melted and everything is well combined. Serve immediately. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and basil, if desired.
Photo by Bobbi Lin