Brainerd Pantry Pasta Primavera

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

A vibrant spring-inspired pasta dish featuring seasonal vegetables and a light lemon-herb sauce, crafted from pantry staples found in a Minnesota estate auction. Ready in 25 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fettuccine pasta, medium, thinly sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes 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: 10 min Cook: 15 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 fettuccine and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium thinly sliced zucchini and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for 4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 cup frozen peas, cooking for 2 minutes until peas are bright green and heated through.
  4. Step 4: Add drained fettuccine to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan for sprinkling.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Brainerd Pantry 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 Brainerd Pantry 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 pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brainerd Pantry 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 Brainerd Pantry 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.

Is Brainerd Pantry Pasta Primavera 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.

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