FromSloane Taylor

Pasta Primavera is a perfect warm weather dinner, especially with a glass of cool, crisp white wine. 

Theword primavera means springlike in Italian, but don’t be fooled that this dishoriginated in Italy. Nope! Both Canada and the US claim the honor of creatingPasta Primavera. No one knows for sure which country invented this deliciousdish, but the fact is that it didn’t come to be until the 1970s. 

Thisrecipe is for 2. If you are serving more simply increase the ingredientsaccordingly. Don’t prepare extra for another meal because the veggies get mushywhen reheated. 

PastaPrimavera9– 10 oz. cheese tortellini2tbsp. olive oil5baby carrots⅓red onion½red or yellow pepper4asparagus⅓seedless cucumber or small zucchini3tbsp. butter8or 10 sliced mushrooms1½tsp. garlic powderFreshlyground black pepper to taste1tbsp. lemon juice½cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving2tbsp. parsley, optional 

Cookpasta per package directions al dente, no longer. Drain into a strainer,retaining ⅔ cup of water for the sauce. Cover tortellini to keep warm. 

Slicecarrots in thirds lengthwise. You do this because carrots take so much longerto cook. Slice red onion into thin rings, but not too thin, then cut in half. 

Remove seeds from pepper then cut into stripslengthwise. Set aside. Freeze the extra for another recipe. 

Cutasparagus into 1-inch pieces. Add to pepper bowl. Slice cucumber/zucchini about¼ inch thick then add to pepper mix. 

Pouroil into a Dutch oven set on medium-high heat. You need this size pan toproperly blend the veggies. Stir in carrots and onion, sauté until crisptender, 6 – 8 minutes. Stir often and adjust heat to prevent burning. 

Lowerheat to medium. Add butter, asparagus, pepper slices, and mushrooms. Seasonwith garlic, black pepper, and lemon juice. 

Gentlyblend in pasta and cheese. Add small amounts of reserved water to thin sauce toyour liking.

Heat through. Sprinkle onparsley then serve.

May you enjoy all the days of your life filled with good friends, laughter, and seated around a well-laden table!

Sloane