Dow Jones Pasta Primavera
A light, fresh pasta dish featuring spring vegetables in a garlic-herb sauce, symbolizing market renewal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, (minced) garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cups (cut into 1-inch pieces) asparagus
- 1 cup (halved) cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces) green beans
- 1/4 cup (chopped) fresh basil
- 2 tbsp (grated) Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup (reserved) pasta water
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; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic is golden (do not brown).
- Step 3: Add 2 cups asparagus (1-inch pieces), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), and 1 cup green beans (1-inch pieces), stirring to combine, and cook for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet along with 1/4 cup fresh basil, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 1-2 minutes until sauce coats pasta evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dow Jones Pasta Primavera take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Dow Jones 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 Dow Jones 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 Dow Jones 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 Dow Jones 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
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
