Pasta Primavera For Two Food

ONE RECIPE, TWO MEALS: PASTA PRIMAVERA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente, according to the box directions. Save a cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
• At this point, scoop out two cups of the cooked pasta and place it back in the pot. Add 1/4 cup chicken stock and 1 tablespoon butter. If needed, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to create a thin sauce. Add 1/4 cup Parmesan and stir to combine.
• Serve to your kids as is, or with 1/4 cup warmed peas, with extra grated Parmesan on top.
• Place the remaining cooked pasta back in the pot.
• In the meantime, heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and asparagus pieces to the pan. Add 1/4 cup water and cover to steam, about 3 minutes.
• To the pan, add the cherry tomatoes, white wine, garlic, thyme leaves, 2 tablespoons butter and the remaining 1/2 cup chicken stock. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let saute for a few more minutes until the colors pop. Finally, add the peas and toss. Off the heat, add the last tablespoon of butter and another 1/3 cup Parmesan. If needed, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water to create a sauce. Toss to combine.
• Serve the adult-friendly pasta primavera with fresh parsley and more Parmesan-and that extra white wine, for Pete's sake!

PASTA PRIMAVERA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs, adding the broccoli, carrots, bell pepper and peas during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta and vegetables and return to the pot.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until it begins to soften, about 1 minute. Add the vegetable broth, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste; bring to a simmer and cook until slightly reduced, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter until melted and the sauce is thickened, about 1 more minute.
• Pour the sauce over the pasta and vegetables and add the cheese, parsley and lemon juice. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the cheese melts, about 1 minute, adding enough of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper and top with more cheese.

PASTA PRIMAVERA FOR TWO

Steps:

• Bring large saucepan of salted water to a boil; add fettuccine; stir.
• Cook 5 minutes; add carrots and asparagus.
• Return to a boil; cook 3 minutes.
• Add snow peas and cook an additional minute; drain.
• Meanwhile, heat Alfredo sauce according to package directions.
• Toss drained pasta and vegetables with sauce; serve with shredded parmesan.