Brainerd Pantry Pasta Primavera
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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 medium, thinly sliced zucchini
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
