If you're looking for an upscale vegetarian dish fit for entertaining this spring, this is it! Loaded with spring veggies – artichokes, peas, baby carrots, and mushrooms, and finished with plenty of basil and Parmesan, it’s perfect for impressing without the stress.
Fusilli col buco is a long corkscrew-shaped pasta that holds the light, lemony broth beautifully. Can’t find it? Spaghetti or short fusilli work too. Feel free to substitute any gluten-free pasta as desired.
This meal is fresh, flavorful, and made to be shared. Whether you're celebrating Mother's Day or gathering your favorite veggie-lovers around the table, it’s a beautiful way to celebrate spring.
Fusilli Col Buco with Braised Spring Vegetables
Serves 6
Ingredients:
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1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes
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2 cups dry white wine (preferably Italian)
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1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
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¼ cup lemon juice
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18 oz fresh or frozen artichoke hearts, halved
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20 baby carrots, diced (1 cup)
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10 oz baby bella mushrooms, halved
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1 cup fresh or frozen peas
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8 oz dry fusilli col buco pasta (substitute any GF pasta as needed)
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20 basil leaves, chopped (½ cup)
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¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray.
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Sauté onion 3–5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
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Stir in thyme, red pepper flakes, wine, broth, and lemon juice. Add artichokes, carrots, and mushrooms.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
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Add peas and cook, covered, for 5 minutes, until peas are tender and bright green.
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Meanwhile, cook pasta in a separate pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.
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Add braised vegetables and just enough of the cooking liquid to coat the pasta as desired. Stir in basil and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Tip: The light broth doubles as a sauce. If you prefer less saucy pasta, just spoon in what you need.