Windows 11-Style Pasta Primavera
A vibrant pasta dish with seasonal vegetables, light cream, and a hint of Parmesan for a fresh, creamy finish. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs penne or fusilli pasta, fresh or frozen spinach, sliced mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, penne or fusilli pasta
- 4 oz, fresh or frozen spinach
- 1 bunch, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces asparagus
- 8 oz, sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 12 oz pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms and 1 bunch asparagus, cooking for 5-7 minutes until tender. Stir in 4 oz spinach and cook until wilted.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding 1/2 cup pasta water to loosen the sauce. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Windows 11-Style Pasta Primavera take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Windows 11-Style Pasta Primavera?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne or fusilli pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Windows 11-Style Pasta Primavera?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Windows 11-Style Pasta Primavera for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Windows 11-Style Pasta Primavera vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
