Spring has always held a special place in my heart. The air is fragrant with blooming flowers, and there’s a sense of renewal all around. Every year, as the weather warms up, I find myself gravitating towards lighter dishes that celebrate fresh, vibrant vegetables. That’s when my love affair with this Creamy Spring Vegetable Penne with Fresh Mint begins! It’s like a warm hug on a plate—comforting yet refreshing—a perfect balance for a dinner after a long day.

Imagine twirling forkfuls of perfectly cooked penne, coated in a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s brimming with colorful spring vegetables. Each bite gives you a hint of fresh mint, making the dish light and invigorating. This recipe is not just a feast for the taste buds; it’s also a delight to the eyes, with a rainbow of vegetables bursting with flavors. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a little celebration of spring on your table, this is it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy weeknight dinner: Whip it up in under 30 minutes!
• Perfect for using up seasonal veggies: It’s flexible and adaptable.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Comforting flavors: Rich and creamy but refreshing, thanks to the mint.
• Customizable: Add your favorite proteins or other veggies as you like!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• 8 oz penne pasta (whole wheat for a health boost!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (trust me, fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
• 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup heavy cream (or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (fresh mint is the star here!)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, if you like a little heat!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the cooking part! Follow these simple steps for a scrumptious dinner:

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add in the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining it. This will help loosen your sauce later!
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Be careful not to burn it; garlic can go from perfect to charred in a flash!
4. Next, toss in the asparagus and cook for about 3 minutes until it starts to soften. Then, add the peas and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. You want those veggies vibrant and just tender, not mushy!
5. Now, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, allowing the cream to warm up without boiling.
6. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
7. Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, mix in the cooked penne pasta, making sure every piece is coated. Add the chopped mint and mix gently to combine. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy!
8. Plate up your creamy spring vegetable penne and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh mint leaves on top.

Pro Tips & Variations

Here are some fun tips to personalize your dish:

• Add protein: Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can turn this into a more filling meal.
• Veggie swaps: Try broccoli, zucchini, or kale if you have them on hand. The beauty of this dish is that it’s super adaptable!
• Herbs & spices: Fresh basil or parsley can be great substitutes for mint if that’s more your style. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors even more!
• Whole grain substitution: Use gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding gluten.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is as versatile as it is delicious! I love serving it with a side of crusty whole grain bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness of the pasta. Oh, and don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with a twist of lemon – it adds a fantastic touch to your dining experience!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which can be rare with this dish), they store beautifully! Here’s how:

• Refrigeration: Cool the pasta completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave out the fresh mint and cheese until you reheat!
• Reheating: When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, gently reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen it up. Stir until warmed through—nobody wants a dry pasta!

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. You can also add shredded tofu for some added protein!

What if I don’t have fresh mint?

No worries at all! If fresh mint isn’t available, fresh basil or parsley will work just fine. Dried herbs could be used as well, but remember to use less as they are more concentrated.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Sure! You can prep the veggies and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just combine everything together right before serving to keep that creamy texture intact.

What’s the best way to spice this up?

If you enjoy heat, adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will give it a nice kick. You can also experiment with smoked paprika for a different flavor profile!

Is this suitable for kids?

This dish is often a hit with kids thanks to the creamy sauce and colorful veggies! You can adjust the seasoning and leave out any spicy elements to make it friendly for younger palates.

Conclusion

I hope this Creamy Spring Vegetable Penne with Fresh Mint inspires you to get creative in your kitchen and enjoy a dinner that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at! It embodies all the good things about spring—lightness, freshness, and joy. I’d love to hear how yours turns out or any twists you made along the way. Feel free to drop a comment below and share your thoughts or adventures with this recipe! Happy cooking!

Irresistible Creamy Veggie Penne with Fresh Mint – Easy Dinner!

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• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Delight in this easy recipe for creamy veggie penne with fresh mint, perfect for a healthy spring dinner. Taste the seasonal flavors today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 oz of penne pasta (whole wheat for a health boost!)

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

1 cup of asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup of peas (fresh or frozen)

1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup of heavy cream (or a non-dairy alternative)

1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Toss in asparagus and cook for about 3 minutes until it starts to soften. Then, add peas and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.

Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. If too thick, add reserved pasta water.

Mix in cooked penne pasta until every piece is coated. Add chopped mint and gently combine.

Plate up and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh mint leaves.

Notes

Enjoy a delightful and easy weeknight dinner with this creamy spring vegetable penne featuring fresh mint. A perfect balance of comfort and freshness!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Fat: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 55 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Protein: 12 grams

Keywords: Creamy penne, spring vegetable pasta, healthy dinner, easy recipe, mint pasta, Italian cuisine