Perfect Pasta Primavera



Spring is here (barely) and it's time for a spring pasta dish. Pasta Primavera.

This is the most delicious version of pasta primavera that I know. I know it sounds cocky that I named it "Perfect Primavera", but it is. It's my opinion and my recipe, but I think that counts for something, don't you?

I got the idea of garnishing this dish with fresh mint from Canal House Cooking, and I beg of you, do not skip this garnish. It makes the dish special and sets it apart from other primaveras.



My husband says it's one of his favorite dishes that I make, and he is a spoiled, finicky eater, so that's another reason to make you want to try this.



Perfect Pasta Primavera: serves 4

3/4 lb. thin spaghetti
1/2 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
3 slices center cut bacon, chopped into lardons
olive oil
a bunch of thin asparagus, sliced on the bias into 2" pieces
1 cup of fresh English peas (or defrosted frozen peas)
6 artichoke hearts packed in water, drained and sliced in half
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 tbsp tomato paste
salt & pepper
bunch of fresh chopped mint for the top
shaved pieces of Parmigiano Reggiano for garnish

Have everything ready (mise en place), and this dish takes 15 minutes to put together.

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water. Get the sauce ready while the pasta is cooking.

In a large heavy skillet, large enough to hold the vegetables and pasta, saute the bacon lardons in a little olive oil for about a minute. Now add the onions and garlic and saute w/ the bacon for 3 minutes.



Add the sliced asparagus, peas, artichoke halves and cook another minute or two.



Add the chicken stock and tomato paste and bring to a simmer.
Cover the pot and simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, until the asparagus is bright green and tender. There won't be a lot of liquid in the pan, but I promise, this is packed with flavor. Season w/ some sea salt & pepper.

When the pasta is done, drain and add to the skillet w/ the cooked vegetables and bacon. Toss with tongs to coat with the sauce and vegetables and add to bowls.

Drizzle olive oil over pasta in each bowl and garnish with the fresh mint leaves and Parmigiano Reggiano curls.

Serve immediately and twirl!



Comments

The JR said…
It's always nice when a picky eater really enjoys a dish.
kat said…
Oh man I wish those spring vegetables would hurry up & start growing in MN!
lisa is cooking said…
The artichokes and asparagus look so great together! I like the idea of adding mint too. Perfect for spring.
Kathy Walker said…
Wow! Artichokes and asparagus!!! This is "Perfect Pasta Primavera"!
Joanne said…
I mean I think this is perfect because it has all of my favorite spring veggies in it!
Ciao Chow Linda said…
I'm ready to dig in. I think I'll make this meatless for Good Friday's dinner.
sixty-five said…
Can't wait til my mint starts to take over the garden. I will be making this for sure. Love this blog; I am TOTALLY in sync with your way of cooking!
Anonymous said…
A very comforting yet healthy dish too :) Colours look great and a good intake of vegetables for the day.
We're thinking on the same wave length, I just made a huge pan for a party I went to, a little different version, but colorful and springlike as yours. It is spring isn't it?? If you say this is perfect I'll give ot a try for sure next time!
That definitely looks like Spring!
Oui, Chef said…
Yeah, this looks pretty perfect to me too....love the addition of the artichoke hearts! - S
marwarispices said…
Wow....delicious recipe.........?????/

Thanks

Sapna


http://spicespulses.com/indian-spices-product/leaves/celery.html
sasasunakku said…
I'm all over the spring recipes at the moment and I haven't had primavera yet (though I just got back from Italy on Sunday!) Must rectify.