Creamy Fresh Pasta Primavera (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Herb Cream Sauce

01 - 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
02 - 1 1/4 cups half and half
03 - 1/2 chicken bouillon cube
04 - 1 teaspoon soy sauce
05 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce
06 - 3/4 teaspoon each: dried parsley, basil, oregano, mustard powder
07 - 1 pinch red pepper flakes
08 - 3 tablespoons butter
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 3 tablespoons flour
11 - 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
12 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice

→ Vegetables

13 - 2 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized
14 - 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
15 - 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
16 - 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
17 - 1 1/2 cups zucchini chunks
18 - 1/2 cup frozen peas
19 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
20 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
21 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Pasta

22 - 1/2 pound ziti pasta
23 - 1/2 tablespoon salt for pasta water

# Instructions:

01 - Mix chicken broth, half and half, bouillon, soy sauce, hot sauce, and all the dried herbs in a large measuring cup. Set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook broccoli, onions, carrots, and peppers for 3 minutes. Add zucchini, peas, and tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 more minutes. Remove to a plate.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter and cook garlic. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add your sauce mixture while stirring. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
04 - While sauce simmers, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain when done.
05 - Turn heat to low and slowly stir in parmesan cheese until smooth. Add lemon juice.
06 - Stir in pasta and vegetables. Toss until everything is hot and well-coated. Serve with fresh pepper and lemon slices.

# Notes:

01 - Works with any mix of vegetables - try asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, or spinach.
02 - Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
03 - The hot sauce adds flavor without making it spicy.