Auction House Pasta Primavera
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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 medium yellow squash
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately with extra Parmesan for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this auction are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
