Census 2010 Spaghetti Primavera

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish featuring seasonal vegetables in a light lemon-herb sauce, inspired by the most common American surname data from the 2010 Census. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, medium zucchini, medium red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.0 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, cut 1 medium zucchini and 1 medium red bell pepper into 1/4-inch half-moons, and trim 8 oz asparagus into 2-inch pieces; set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add zucchini, bell pepper, and asparagus to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over vegetables, add 1/4 cup fresh basil, and toss to combine; then add drained spaghetti and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, tossing for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta evenly.
  6. Step 6: Divide among plates, top with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Census 2010 Spaghetti 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 Census 2010 Spaghetti 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 Census 2010 Spaghetti 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 Census 2010 Spaghetti 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 Census 2010 Spaghetti 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.

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