Creamy Baked Pasta Primavera (Easy One-Dish Dinner)

If you’re craving something cozy but still fresh and seasonal, this Creamy Baked Pasta Primavera hits that sweet spot perfectly.

It’s loaded with the bright, springy flavors of pasta primavera like tender asparagus, juicy tomatoes, sweet peas, and a pop of lemon — all wrapped up in a creamy, herby sauce thanks to a round of Boursin cheese.

The best part? This is a mostly one-dish recipe (minus the pasta pot), which keeps prep and cleanup simple. It’s also incredibly flexible. You can easily deconstruct it for different preferences, making it a great option for families with little ones or selective eaters.

It’s one of those meals you’ll come back to again and again because it’s:

  • Endlessly adaptable
  • Made with simple ingredients
  • Requires minimal chopping
  • Easy to boost with more fiber (use whole wheat pasta) or protein (add extra beans or chicken)

Ingredients for Baked Pasta Primavera (makes 4-6 servings)

  • 8 oz short-cut pasta
  • 1 round Boursin cheese (garlic & herb), or plant-based cheese for vegan
  • 1 cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces (~4 oz)
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ⅓ cup peas
  • ¼ cup broth or water
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Add cheese, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and white beans to a baking dish, keeping ingredients mostly separate. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Bake for 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender, cheese is softened and tomatoes are bursting.
  3. While the dish bakes, cook pasta according to package instructions. Add peas during the last minute of cooking, then drain.
  4. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Set aside the asparagus and white beans. Mash the roasted tomatoes and Boursin together to create a creamy base. Stir in broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
  5. Add pasta and peas to the sauce, then fold in the asparagus and white beans. Mix until everything is well coated and creamy.
  6. Serve warm with extra lemon zest or black pepper if desired.

Creamy Baked Pasta Primavera (Easy One-Dish Dinner)

This baked creamy pasta primavera is packed with spring veggies, lemon, and a rich herby sauce. Easy, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknights.
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz short-cut pasta
  • 1 round Boursin cheese garlic & herb, or plant-based cheese for vegan
  • 1 cup asparagus chopped into 1-inch pieces (~4 oz)
  • cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1 can white beans rinsed and drained
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • cup peas
  • ¼ cup broth or water
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Add cheese, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and white beans to a baking dish, keeping ingredients mostly separate. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Bake for 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender, cheese is softened and tomatoes are bursting.
  3. While the dish bakes, cook pasta according to package instructions. Add peas during the last minute of cooking, then drain.
  4. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Set aside the asparagus and white beans. Mash the roasted tomatoes and Boursin together to create a creamy base. Stir in broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
  5. Add pasta and peas to the sauce, then fold in the asparagus and white beans. Mix until everything is well coated and creamy.
  6. Serve warm with extra lemon zest or black pepper if desired.

Notes

  • Don’t skip separating the veggies before mixing — it keeps textures fresh and vibrant
  • Add extra broth when reheating to maintain creaminess
  • Finish with extra lemon juice if you like a brighter flavor

Family-Friendly Tips

  • Reserve some plain pasta and veggies before mixing for kids who prefer foods separated
  • Serve components individually with sauce on the side for dipping
  • Let kids build their own bowls to increase buy-in

Nutrition Info (per serving, 4 servings):

512 calories, 23 g fat (11 g saturated), 63 g carbs (8 g fiber, 0 g added sugar), 15 g protein

Why You’ll Love This Baked Pasta Primavera

  • Bright, fresh spring flavors with minimal effort
  • Creamy and comforting without being heavy
  • Mostly one-dish prep for easy cleanup
  • Flexible for different preferences and dietary needs
  • Family-friendly and easy to serve deconstructed

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of Boursin?
Yes! Cream cheese with garlic and herbs, ricotta, or even a dairy-free alternative can work.

How can I make this Baked Pasta Primavera higher protein?
Add extra white beans, chickpeas, or cooked chicken. You can also stir in a scoop of plain Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely — just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

What other vegetables work well?
Zucchini, broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms are all great additions or swaps depending on what you have on hand.

How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

More Family-Favorite Main Dishes You’ll Love

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