Spring is here! Aside from feeling giddy at every tulip and daffodil I see, I’m also beyond excited to welcome spring veggies back into my diet. And what better way to celebrate spring vegetables than with a classic primavera?! Primavera, which literally translates to “spring” in Italian, is also an Italian-American pasta dish that welcomes the season by celebrating with bright, fresh vegetables such as asparagus and peas. But primavera goes way beyond pasta, and these creative recipes are proof.
Of course, we have plenty of takes on the classic pasta primavera, like our bowtie primaveraor our primavera baked orzo, which bring new twists to the already tried and true dish. If you’re looking to get a little more protein in your diet, we’ve also got our one-pan crispy chicken primaveraand our primavera-stuffed chicken to turn your primavera into more of a well-rounded meal. However you like to eat it, primavera packs a party every time!
1) Pasta Primavera
Photo credit: PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Few dishes scream “spring” like pasta primavera. Primavera in the name alone brings to mind fresh veggies like zucchini, English peas, leeks, and peppers—all of the things beginning to bloom for a vibrant season of produce ahead.
Get the Pasta Primavera recipe.
2) One-Pan Crispy Chicken Primavera
Photo credit: PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLIST: BROOKE CAISON
In this one-pan dinner, crispy-skinned chicken thighs are roasted alongside spring veggies and topped with a confetti of goat cheese and herbs for a dinner that captures the promise of warmer days.
Get the One-Pan Crispy Chicken Primavera recipe.
3) Bowtie Primavera
Photo credit: PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
This version of pasta primavera is light and delicious! It replaces the heavy cream with low-fat cream cheese, resulting in a veggie-packed pasta dish with a sauce that is every bit as creamy as the original.
Get the Bowtie Primavera recipe.
4) Primavera Baked Orzo
Photo credit: PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS
This spring-y, one-pan dinner is inspired by the classic American pasta dish, but with a cheesy twist. It turns out that fresh mozzarella plays very nicely with similarly delicate spring produce like shallots, sugar snap peas, and oyster mushrooms.
Get the Primavera Baked Orzo recipe.
5) One-Pot Shrimp Primavera
Photo credit: Andrew bui
The pasta is still creamy and comforting and everything else you want your pasta dishes to be. We use some of our favorite classic veggies for primavera, but use what you have!
Get the One-Pot Shrimp Primavera recipe.
6) Primavera-Stuffed Chicken
Photo credit: ETHAN CALABRESE
This is the opposite of boring, flavorless chicken breast—it’s literally packed with colorful flavor. Bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and red onion combine to bring the spring vibes in this stuffed chicken recipe.
Get the Primavera-Stuffed Chicken recipe.
7) Chicken Primavera Spaghetti Squash Boats
Photo credit: PARKER FEIERBACH
Spaghetti squash turns one of favorite pasta dishes into a gluten-free treat! The perfect dinner to keep things fresh and light all the way through. Spaghetti squash pairs perfectly with a primavera style recipe, trust us.
Get the Chicken Primavera Spaghetti Squash Boats recipe.
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