Census Family Pasta Primavera
A light, colorful pasta dish featuring seasonal vegetables and a lemon-herb cream sauce, celebrating the diversity of U.S. family names. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs fettuccine, 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 480 calories and feeds 3, 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
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 medium, thinly sliced zucchini
- 1 cup, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Step 3: Add zucchini and asparagus to the skillet, toss to coat in oil, and cook for 3 minutes until edges begin to soften.
- Step 4: Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes until they start to release juices.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, then pour in heavy cream, lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 6: Add drained fettuccine to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats every strand and becomes creamy.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan for topping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Census Family 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 Census Family 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 Census Family 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 Census Family Pasta Primavera for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Census Family 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
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this census are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
