Best-Selling Lemon-Dill Pasta Primavera
A vibrant spring pasta dish with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon-dill sauce that's ready in 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs fettuccine, florets broccoli, thinly sliced red bell pepper 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 fettuccine
- 8 oz trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 cup florets broccoli
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 large (zest and 2 tbsp juice) lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus, broccoli, and bell pepper; sauté for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup vegetable broth, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta to skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 2 tbsp chopped dill, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta and thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in lemon zest, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and remaining 2 tbsp dill. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best-Selling Lemon-Dill Pasta Primavera 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 Best-Selling Lemon-Dill 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 fettuccine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best-Selling Lemon-Dill 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-Selling Lemon-Dill 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-Selling Lemon-Dill 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
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
