Asparagus-Pea Mint Pasta with Lemon Zest
A bright, herbaceous pasta dish featuring tender asparagus, sweet peas, and a zesty lemon-mint dressing that captures spring's essence. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs pasta, asparagus, fresh peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 pasta
- 1 cup asparagus
- 3/4 cup fresh peas
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh mint
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, trim asparagus stalks and cut into 1-inch pieces. Blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then shock in ice water to retain vibrant green color.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and peas, cooking for 3 minutes until bright and tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta to skillet with asparagus and peas. Toss to coat, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp minced mint, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Remove from heat; toss in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and glossy, adding more pasta water if too dry.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Asparagus-Pea Mint Pasta with Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Asparagus-Pea Mint Pasta with Lemon Zest?
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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Asparagus-Pea Mint Pasta with Lemon Zest?
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 Asparagus-Pea Mint Pasta with Lemon Zest 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 Asparagus-Pea Mint Pasta with Lemon Zest 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
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
