Altitude Pasta with Lemon and Asparagus
Al dente pasta tossed with tender asparagus and a bright lemon-herb dressing, evoking the crisp clarity of high-altitude air. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, (trimmed, 2-inch pieces) asparagus, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 185 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 12 oz (trimmed, 2-inch pieces) asparagus
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 (zest and juice) lemon
- 2 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1/4 cup (chopped) fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz asparagus and 2 cloves garlic (minced), and cook for 5 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1 lemon (zest and juice), and 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped). Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce coats the pasta and thickens slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Altitude Pasta with Lemon and Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Altitude Pasta with Lemon and Asparagus?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Altitude Pasta with Lemon and Asparagus?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Altitude Pasta with Lemon and Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Altitude Pasta with Lemon and Asparagus vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
