Creamy Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus
A vibrant pasta dish featuring tender asparagus, fresh dill, and a luxuriously creamy lemon sauce that comes together in 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, 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 spaghetti
- 12 oz, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup, finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and cook for 4-5 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Add minced garlic to skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
- Step 4: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Whisk until sauce emulsifies and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to skillet with asparagus, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh dill and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, adding more pasta water if sauce seems too thick. Toss for 1 minute until cheese melts and sauce is glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus 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 Creamy Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus?
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 Creamy Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus?
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 Creamy Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Creamy Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
