Best Classic Pasta Primavera
A vibrant spring-inspired pasta dish featuring crisp-tender vegetables in a lemon-herb sauce, showcasing the best of seasonal produce with minimal effort. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 cup, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces green beans
- 1/2 cup, fresh florets broccoli
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated 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: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant — do not let the garlic brown.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup asparagus pieces, 1 cup green beans, and 1/2 cup broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant green.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to skillet and toss to coat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Divide among plates and top with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best Classic Pasta Primavera take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Best Classic 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 Best Classic 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 Best Classic 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 Best Classic 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
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
