Easy Jamie Oliver Pasta Primavera Recipe: Fresh Spring Dinner Magic

This vibrant pasta primavera dazzles with a symphony of garden-fresh ingredients that spark culinary excitement.

Seasonal vegetables burst with color and energy, transforming an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

Tender pasta strands intertwine with crisp, succulent produce, creating a dance of textures and flavors.

Light yet satisfying, this Italian-inspired dish celebrates the bounty of spring in every delectable bite.

Creamy undertones and fragrant herbs elevate the recipe from simple to sublime.

Each forkful promises a journey through fresh, harmonious tastes that awaken your senses.

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that effortlessly captures the spirit of seasonal cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 4

Pasta Primavera Ingredients at a Glance

• Tagliatelle: Choose fresh or high-quality dried pasta with a rough texture for better sauce adhesion.
• Pancetta: Select well-marbled, thinly sliced pancetta for crispy, rich flavor profile.

• Asparagus, Zucchini: Pick firm, bright green vegetables with smooth skin and no blemishes.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Look for bright green, fragrant leaves without wilting or dark spots.

• Eggs, Crème Fraîche, Parmesan Cheese: Select farm-fresh eggs, full-fat crème fraîche, and authentic aged Parmesan for robust flavor.
• Lemon: Choose firm, bright yellow citrus with smooth skin for maximum zest and freshness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Use coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for vibrant, layered taste.
• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin olive oil with grassy, peppery notes for enhanced overall dish complexity.

Equipment for Making Pasta Primavera

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling water and pasta with enough space for ingredients to move freely.
• Vegetable Peeler: Essential tool for creating delicate, elegant vegetable ribbons from asparagus and zucchini.
• Spacious Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking together eggs, crème fraîche, and creating smooth sauce.
• Skillet: Great for crisping pancetta to golden perfection with even heat distribution.
• Colander: Necessary for draining pasta while keeping some starchy water for sauce consistency.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients until smooth and well-combined.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing and slicing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping mint leaves and zesting lemon.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps add precise amounts of salt and seasonings.

Steps to Cook a Fresh Primavera

• Launch the Cooking Process

Kick off your culinary adventure by heating water in a large pot with a tiny salt sprinkle until it bubbles vigorously.

• Create Veggie Magic

Glide a vegetable peeler along asparagus and zucchini to craft delicate, paper-thin ribbons that will dance through your dish.

• Craft Luxurious Sauce

Whisk together eggs, creamy crème fraîche, sharp Parmesan, and bright lemon zest in a spacious bowl. Season with a whisper of salt and pepper until the mixture transforms into a silky, luxurious blend.

• Cook and Crisp

Drop tagliatelle into boiling water, letting it soften to perfection. Simultaneously, sear pancetta in a hot skillet until it turns golden and crunchy, releasing its rich, salty essence.

• Bring the Symphony Together

Drain pasta, saving a splash of cooking water. Toss the noodles with crispy pancetta, fresh mint leaves, veggie ribbons, and your dreamy sauce. If the mixture needs loosening, add reserved water to create a heavenly, glossy coating. Crown with extra mint and a snowfall of Parmesan. Serve immediately and savor your masterpiece.

Tips to Switch Up the Veggies

• Master Pasta Water Magic: Save a cup of starchy pasta water to instantly adjust sauce consistency, helping it cling perfectly to noodles and creating a silky, restaurant-quality finish.
• Customize Vegetable Ribbons: Swap zucchini and asparagus with seasonal favorites like carrots, yellow squash, or cucumber for a fresh twist and added nutrition.
• Protein Power Boost: Transform this dish by adding grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy tofu for a more substantial meal that satisfies different dietary preferences.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with cheese varieties like pecorino romano, aged gouda, or ricotta salata to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic recipe.

Serve Primavera with the Right Touch

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich, creamy pasta with a crisp green salad featuring mixed baby greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's indulgent flavors.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, rustic baguette or artisan sourdough to soak up the delectable sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to your meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the fresh vegetable and lemony notes of this vibrant pasta dish.
• Elevate with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle additional fresh mint or add chopped basil just before serving to brighten the overall flavor profile and create a stunning visual presentation.

Save Primavera Without Losing Flavor

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Pasta tends to absorb sauce quickly, so keep a splash of reserved pasta water to revive the dish's creamy texture when reheating.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tablespoon of pasta water or olive oil to prevent drying. Stir carefully to maintain the delicate vegetable ribbons and prevent overcooking.
• Prep-Ahead Magic: Chop vegetables and cook pancetta in advance, storing separately in sealed containers. Keep sauce ingredients ready to mix just before serving for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Freezing Friendly: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sauce base separately for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and prepare fresh vegetables when ready to complete the dish for optimal taste and nutrition.

Vibrant Jamie Oliver Pasta Primavera Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s pasta primavera celebrates spring vegetables with a light, creamy sauce that brings fresh garden flavors to your plate. Crisp zucchini, tender asparagus, and sweet peas dance through al dente pasta, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 400 g (14.1 oz) tagliatelle pasta or spaghetti or penne
• 350 g (12.3 oz) asparagus
• 2 small courgettes (zucchini)
• 100 g (3.5 oz) pancetta
• 2 large eggs
• 60 g (2.1 oz) crème fraîche
• 1 handful freshly grated Parmesan cheese, extra for serving
• ½ lemon
• olive oil
• ½ bunch fresh mint

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a vigorous boil, creating the perfect foundation for cooking pasta.
2. Vegetable Transformation: Expertly slice asparagus and courgettes into elegant ribbons using a vegetable peeler, preparing them for the vibrant dish.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk eggs, crème fraîche, Parmesan, and lemon zest into a harmonious blend, seasoning with salt and black pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
4. Pasta and Pancetta Cooking: Submerge tagliatelle in boiling water, simultaneously sizzling pancetta in olive oil until achieving a crisp, golden-brown texture that releases rich, savory notes.
5. Combining Elements: Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of starchy cooking liquid, then artfully merge the cooked pasta with pancetta, mint leaves, vegetable ribbons, and the luxurious egg-based sauce.
6. Final Touches: Adjust sauce consistency by introducing reserved pasta water, creating a silky smooth texture that clings perfectly to the pasta strands.
7. Presentation: Garnish with additional mint leaves and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, serving immediately to capture the dish’s vibrant freshness and intricate flavors.

Notes

• Prep Ribbons Carefully: Use a vegetable peeler to create thin, delicate ribbons of asparagus and courgettes for an elegant texture and even cooking.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Keep reserved pasta water handy to adjust sauce thickness, ensuring a smooth, silky coating on the pasta.
• Time Pasta Precisely: Follow package instructions closely, cooking tagliatelle for 8-10 minutes to maintain perfect al dente texture.
• Handle Pancetta Wisely: Sauté pancetta until golden and crisp to maximize flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: UK

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg