Primavera means spring in Italian. Basically it's lots of fresh vegetables quickly cooked in a light sauce served over pasta. These dishes can be prepared very quickly at the last minute, thus allowing the cook time to enjoy spring. Italians are fanatics about the way pasta is cooked and served and fanatics about using fresh vegetables. It has been said it is far better for the diner to be seated waiting for the pasta than the pasta to wait for the diner.
Good planning is needed to make the pasta, sauce and dinner time come together.
Prepare vegetables ahead. Firm vegetables such as asparagus and green beans need to be blanched before adding them to the sauces. Chill briefly in cold water after the blanching to stop the cooking and preserve the green color. They can be done early in the day. Have the table set and everything ready to go.