Creamy Primavera Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Savor the delightful flavors of spring with our Creamy Primavera Bow Tie Pasta Salad. This vibrant dish combines perfectly cooked Barilla bow tie pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables including Brussels sprouts, asparagus, zucchini, and onions. Tossed in a luscious, creamy sauce made from chicken stock and a touch of cream, this salad is finished off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to bring all the flavors together. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a nutritious meal prep option, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to all occasions. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock. Enjoy a taste of freshness and comfort in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Barilla bow tie pasta
16 ounces (uncooked)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Onion
1/4 cup (minced)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Brussels sprouts
8 ounces (halved)
Asparagus
1/2 lb (chopped)
Thyme
2 teaspoons (fresh or dried)
Zucchini
1 (chopped)
Chicken stock
1 cup (for sauce)
Cream
1/4 cup (for sauce)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (cracked, to taste)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the Barilla bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the pan, cooking until they begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes.
5
Next, add the chopped asparagus and continue to sauté for another 3 minutes.
6
Sprinkle in the thyme, followed by the chopped zucchini. Sauté the vegetables until they are bright and crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
7
Pour in the chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to reduce by half, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables; they should maintain a slight crunch.
8
Once the stock has reduced, stir in the cream and cracked pepper, adjusting seasoning to taste.
9
Toss in the drained pasta and fold everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if the mixture appears dry.
10
Finally, mix in the Parmesan cheese until it's well incorporated and creamy. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Primavera Bow Tie Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant spring-inspired dish that combines Barilla bow tie pasta with fresh vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and zucchini in a creamy sauce.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of uncooked Barilla bow tie pasta.
Can I make this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock to make it vegetarian.
Which vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes onion, garlic, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and zucchini.
How should the Brussels sprouts be prepared?
You should use 8 ounces of Brussels sprouts, halved.
How much asparagus is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of chopped asparagus.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from chicken stock, 1/4 cup of cream, and grated Parmesan cheese.
What herb is used for seasoning?
Two teaspoons of fresh or dried thyme are used for seasoning.
How long should I cook the pasta?
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.
Should I save any of the pasta water?
Yes, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining to use if the mixture appears dry.
What type of oil is used for sauteing?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to saute the vegetables.
How long should I saute the onion?
Saute the minced onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the onions are translucent and saute for an additional minute until fragrant.
How long do the Brussels sprouts need to cook?
Cook the halved Brussels sprouts for about 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
When should the zucchini be added?
Add the chopped zucchini after the asparagus and thyme, and saute for 3-4 minutes.
What is the desired texture for the vegetables?
The vegetables should remain bright and crisp with a slight crunch; avoid overcooking them.
How much chicken stock is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chicken stock.
How long should the stock simmer?
Allow the chicken stock to simmer and reduce by half, which typically takes 5-7 minutes.
When is the cream added?
Stir in the cream and cracked pepper once the stock has reduced by half.
How much Parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What should I do if the pasta salad seems dry?
Fold in a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
According to the instructions, the dish should be served warm.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this is described as a nutritious meal prep option.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy, quick, and healthy meal.
How much onion is required?
You need 1/4 cup of minced onion.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of cracked pepper.
What is the final step of the recipe?
The final step is to mix in the Parmesan cheese until well incorporated and creamy, then remove from heat.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 1 minced garlic clove.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food that offers a taste of freshness.