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The Very Best Pasta Primavera

Ingredients

  • 2 T. butter
  • 1 shallot or small sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ a red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
  • 2 medium carrots, in matchsticks or thin strips
  • 1 t. Italian seasoning
  • 1 t. salt
  • ½ t. pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 12 oz. evaporated milk
  • 1 lb. uncooked dry penne pasta
  • 1 cup frozen green peas, slightly thawed
  • ½-1 cup cooked ham in small pieces
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving
  • zest of a large lemon

Instructions

  • Melt butter in Dutch oven or large skillet with a lid. Sauté shallots, red bell pepper, and carrots for several minutes until softened. Add Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, and minced garlic. Stir for one minute.
  • Add the broth and evaporated milk. Bring to a simmer.
  • Add pasta and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. You'll need to check for doneness. When the pasta is done, take the skillet off the heat.
  • As soon as the skillet is off the heat, quickly fold in the green peas, ham, and parmesan. Toss a few times to distribute and melt the cheese. Taste for salt and pepper an adjust if necessary. Serve immediately garnished with lemon zest.