Definite Article Pasta Primavera
A vibrant spring vegetable pasta dish featuring fresh asparagus, peas, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a light lemon-herb sauce. The perfect 'best' weeknight meal that's ready in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 33 minutes pairs spaghetti, frozen peas, halved cherry tomatoes 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 12 oz, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 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 spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz trimmed asparagus and sauté for 4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup frozen peas and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring until tomatoes just begin to soften (about 2 minutes).
- Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1/4 cup chopped basil.
- Step 5: Toss drained spaghetti with the vegetable mixture, adding reserved pasta water 2 tbsp at a time until sauce coats the strands evenly.
- Step 6: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring until all ingredients are evenly distributed and glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Definite Article Pasta Primavera take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 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 Definite Article 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Definite Article 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 Definite Article 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.
What goes well with Definite Article Pasta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
