Pasta Primavera may be the easiest, most delicious dinner ever.
Tender and flavorful salmon is the crowning glory on this pasta that is loaded with colorful veggies!
Pasta Primavera is one of those dishes that can handle almost anything you throw at it. If you search for the recipe, you will notice that many have different vegetables and many even have some sort of protein. Pasta Primavera can be as unique as your own personality!
What Is Pasta Primavera?
Pasta Primavera is a lovely pasta dish that combines a variety of fresh vegetables, Parmesan cheese, and pasta. The pasta that is most often seen in this dish is the longer variety like spaghetti, linguini or fettuccine.
Although, the truth is, any pasta shape can be used for this recipe (I sometimes like to use penne pasta).
Is Pasta Primavera Vegetarian?
At its core, yes it. You could prepare this dish with pasta and vegetables only and enjoy it as a vegetarian dish. On the other hand, this pasta dish tastes great paired with grilled chicken breasts, shrimp, or as I have done here, with salmon.
WHERE IS THE PASTA PRIMAVERA RECIPE?
If you’d rather skip cooking tips, suggestions, handy substitutions, related recipe ideas – and get straight to the Pasta Primavera Recipe– simply scroll to the bottom of the page where you can find the printable recipe card.
How To Make Pasta Primavera
I like to start this recipe by bringing salted water to a boil and then cook my pasta. I used linguini for this recipe. You will cook the pasta until al dente, but about 5 minutes before the pasta is ready add in fresh cut green beans and your frozen peas. They will cook while the pasta is finishing up.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare your salmon. I used wild caught salmon that I seasoned with a pinch of oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
I used a grill pan for this recipe, but an outdoor grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat works just as well.
Place your salmon on the heating source skin side down. I find this prevents the fish from sticking to the pan and releases the skin so that it is easy to peel off when you turn the fish, The salmon will take about 4 minutes per side.
When the fish has cooked through, remove it to a plate and keep it warm.
Spray your grill pan with non-stick spray and add your vegetables. I used diced yellow squash and zucchini that I cook just until they begin to soften. I added cherry tomatoes and cook those for 1-2 minutes. Remove the vegetables and set aside.
Once the pasta and the added vegetables are ready, drain and set aside. Prepare the sauce.
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan for 1 minute. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Whisk in chicken broth. In a measuring cup, whisk together cornstarch and heavy cream; whisk the cream mixture into the chicken broth.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and bring mixture to a low boil, stirring constantly. Continue to cook until sauce has thickened.
Toss the sauce with the pasta, fresh spinach, and the remaining vegetables and stir to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place the pasta primavera on a platter and top with cooked salmon before serving.
Substitutions and Tips For Pasta Primavera
- As I mentioned above, feel free to use any pasta that you have sitting in your pantry!
- Red bell peppers, spring vegetables, broccoli, and mushrooms are all great substitutions for the vegetables in this recipe.
- Dry white wine can be used in place of the chicken broth.
- Half and half or whole milk are fine substitutions for the heavy cream.
- Also, a splash of lemon juice or lemon zest whisked into the sauce would taste fresh and lovely.
I think you will be pleased with how versatile and adaptable this recipe is to make. It is great for a weeknight meal, yet it is elegant enough for entertaining.
Some of my other favorite pasta dishes are Creamy Lemon Pasta, Shrimp Lo Mein, Pesto Pasta with Peas and Sundried Tomatoes, Easy Pesto Pasta Primavera.
If it’s more salmon you want, try BLT Salmon Dinner, Mediterranean Sheet Pan Salmon, Honey Garlic Broiled Salmon, Air Fryer Salmon Bourbon Glazed Salmon Salad and Cast Ironed Blackened Salmon!
Pasta Primavera with Salmon
Pasta Primavera may be the easiest, most delicious dinner ever.
Ingredients
- 1 lb linguini
- 1 1/2 lbs salmon
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 lb green bean, trimmed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 small zucchini, dice
- 1 small yellow squash, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, adding the green beans and the frozen spinach during the last 5 minutes of cook time. Drain and set aside.
- Whisk together cornstarch and heavy cream, set aside.
- Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Season the salmon with oregano, basil, and salt. Place salmon skin side down and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until salmon is flakey. Remove salmon, and set aside.
- Spray the grill pan with non stick spray. Add zucchini and squash to the grill pan.
- Saute vegetables for 4 more minutes or just until veggies begin to soften. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook until cherries begin to wrinkle and soften.
- Place a saucepan over medium heat and heat olive oil. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream mixture and Parmesan cheese, stir. Reduce heat and allow sauce to thicken for 3-5 minutes.
- Toss pasta with sauce, fresh spinach and vegetable, turning to coat. Serve pasta with salmon.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 412Total Fat 21gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 67mgSodium 129mgCarbohydrates 35gFiber 5gSugar 6gProtein 20g
Emily @ Life on Food says
I have always said I would love to try to DIY everything…garden, etc. but I would have to live close to town just in case.
Medeja says
This would make a really great dinner! Sounds delicious!
Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me says
I am with you, I couldn’t imagine living without electricity or a toilet that is inside. This is a great dinner. Can not wait to try it out!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
This looks awesome! Fresh vegetables from the garden would fill this pasta. I am in the same boat as you, I would not survive at all “roughing it.” Pretty sure I would die on one of those shows, haha.
Mandy @Mandy's Recipe Box says
This looks great! I couldn’t handle for my food. I don’t know how people did it in the old days. I like mine ready to go, thanks!
Lynn @ Order in the Kitchen says
Sounds absolutely spectacular and those photos are superb!!!
heather+@french+press says
I love your hunting and gathering skills 🙂 sometimes I think a nice simple pioneer life would be terrific, and then I remember how much I love my computer, and cooking on a stove and not a fire
Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says
I love the salmon recommendation! I seriously love seafood but never know what brand to buy and am all over a good recommendation.
That aside though — these photos are GORGEOUS!! I mean seriously, Tanya. So freaking pretty.
Becky | The Cookie Rookie says
WOW! This looks too delicious! I’m dying to try some!
kristi@inspirationkitchen.com says
Such a great combination of flavors!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
This looks amazing!! So creamy and perfect.
Deb@ Cooking on the Front Burner says
What a great weeknight meal! I love your photos too!
Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling says
I’m with you – I like the idea of getting back to basics, but I also REALLY love convenience! This meal looks incredible, Tanya, and the salmon on top is perfect!
Joanie @ ZagLeft says
I could eat salmon every day of the week. This recipe looks wonderful, I can’t wait to try it!
Ginny McMeans says
What a beautiful meal! You did a great justice to that salmon!
Amy @ Chew Out Loud says
I love how you sliced up the salmon beautifully and plated it along with the gorgeous veggies ‘n pasta. It’s the perfect dinner, be it Monday or Saturday night! The colors of the food are enough to make me huuunnggryyy. Awesome stuff 🙂
Michelle ~ My Gluten-free Kitchen says
I’ve been wanting to cook with salmon more, and just did a salmon salad this week. Absolutely love this idea of making a pasta primavera with salmon. I can totally do this with gluten-free pasta. Thanks for the recipe!
Laura @PetiteAllergyTreats says
I’m in love with the thought of adventure but that’s as far I would go. 😉 I do wish I could catch some of this amazing salmon!
Lea Andersen says
This looks great! But, I am not into salmon, so can I just exchange salmon with hk best dim sum? I hope you don’t mind changing the toppings. Thanks =)
Lauren Gray says
This looks too good!
Lemonsforlulu says
Thank you!
Chef Devaux says
First of all thanks for this great salmon recipe. And in combination with the pasta is gorgeous. This meal is an absolute winner!
Lemonsforlulu says
Thank you!
alyssa says
We LOVED this – such an easy and tasty dinner! Thanks for all of the helpful tips!
Jessica Burgess says
I absolutely love salmon, and this recipe is amazing!!
Liz says
Such a tasty recipe for pasta primavera—this was even better than what I order out! And adding salmon is a delicious option!!
Rachael Yerkes says
So delicious!
Jen says
This would be such a nice change from our normal dinner routine. Looks so fresh and delicious!
Beth Pierce says
What a lovely dinner option! I love the presentation; it looks mouthwatering!
Tanya Schroeder says
Thank you Beth!
Sommer says
This looks amazing! Going to make it for date night night.
Suzy says
This has everything you want in a meal! So delicious.
Jennifer says
My family loves this recipe!!! And I love how easy it is to make! 🙂
Julie Blanner says
I love the colors of this dish! It’s easy and my family loves it!
Lindsay Cotter says
Best pasta dinner ever (using gluten free pasta)! From the salmon to all the fresh veggies – it truly satisfies!
Toni says
Everyone in my family was impressed! They loved it!