Auction House Pasta Primavera

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant spring pasta dish featuring fresh vegetables and a light lemon-herb sauce, perfect for celebrating a successful bid on a fresh produce lot. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, medium zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium zucchini and 1 diced medium yellow squash, then sauté for 5 minutes until tender but still firm.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, then cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften and garlic is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and toss until sauce coats the pasta evenly and thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately with extra Parmesan for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Auction House Pasta Primavera take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Auction House Pasta Primavera?

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 Auction House Pasta Primavera?

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 Auction House Pasta Primavera 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.

What goes well with Auction House Pasta Primavera?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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