Taste the best of spring produce with this veggie-loaded recipe, topped with savory Parmigiano Reggiano® DOP.
While Italians celebrate seasonal produce all year round, there's a special love for the new bounty that comes with spring. The warming weather brings favorites like peas, fava beans, asparagus, artichokes, zucchini, peas, and much more. This easy and delicious recipe combines a few green favorites and pairs them with zesty lemon, rich cream, and nutty Parmigiano Reggiano® DOP.
Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano® DOP cheese is made with just a few simple ingredients: raw, unpasteurized cow's milk, salt, and rennet. Nevertheless, don't be fooled by this simple ingredient list. Each wheel of cheese requires a lot of time, passion, and expertise.
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
2 people
Preparation time
10 minutes
Cooking time
15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
8 ounces spaghetti
3 1/2 ounces asparagus spears, cut into 3/4-inch lengths
3 1/2 ounces fresh garden peas
3 1/2 ounces runner beans, trimmed, strings removed, and cut into 3/4-inch lengths
1 1/2 ounces grated Parmigiano Reggiano® DOP
1 1/2 tbsp butter
5 ounces heavy cream
Large handful basil leaves, plus extra to serve
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano® DOP, to serve
Extra virgin olive oil, to serve
STEPS
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Meanwhile, bring a separate small pot of salted water to a boil. Cook each vegetable separately: asparagus for 3–4 minutes, peas for 2–3 minutes, and runner beans for 2–3 minutes. Drain each vegetable and quickly plunge into cold water. Drain well.
Once the spaghetti is al dente, drain well and return to the pot. Stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano® DOP and keep warm.
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the blanched vegetables and cook for 2 minutes. Add the cream, basil, half the lemon zest, half the lemon juice, and a good pinch of black pepper. Add the spaghetti and toss until well-coated.
Divide the pasta between two bowls and top with the shaved Parmigiano Reggiano® DOP, basil, lemon zest, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Ready to dive into this recipe? Stop by our stores to pick up premium Parmigiano Reggiano® DOP and everything you need to make this springtime favorite.