Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, draped in a silky cream sauce, studded with vibrant vegetables, and crowned with the most incredible toasted hazelnuts. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can create right in your own kitchen. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this irresistible creamy vegetable pasta that promises to make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests impressed!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare vegetables by washing and cutting zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots into uniform small dice, approximately 1/4 inch pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add prepared mixed vegetables to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they become slightly tender but retain a crisp texture. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet with vegetables, reducing heat to low and allowing the cream to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Drain cooked pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add pasta directly to the skillet with cream and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly.
- If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired consistency.
- In a separate small pan, lightly toast chopped hazelnuts over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Plate the pasta, sprinkle toasted hazelnuts over the top, and finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to build flavor into the dish.
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Toast hazelnuts carefully and watch them closely to prevent burning - they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy magic helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce.
- Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese and grate it just before serving for maximum flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half the heavy cream with milk or use a lighter cream alternative.
- Don't overcook the vegetables - they should remain crisp and retain their vibrant colors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 727kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 55g
Saturated Fat: 29g
Cholesterol: 100mg
