Definite Article Pasta Primavera

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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, 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Toss drained spaghetti with the vegetable mixture, adding reserved pasta water 2 tbsp at a time until sauce coats the strands evenly.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring until all ingredients are evenly distributed and glossy.

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.

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