Genuine Lemon-Herb Pasta Primavera
A vibrant vegetable pasta dish where fresh herbs and authentic lemon zest elevate seasonal vegetables into a light yet satisfying meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs fettuccine pasta, 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 520 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 fettuccine pasta
- 1 medium, thinly sliced zucchini
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 medium, zested and juiced lemon
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup vegetable stock
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add zucchini and cherry tomatoes to skillet, season with 1/4 tsp salt, and cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vegetable stock, simmering for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add drained pasta and 3 tbsp reserved pasta water to skillet, tossing vigorously until pasta is evenly coated and sauce clings to strands (add more pasta water if needed).
- Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in basil and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, then serve immediately with additional cheese on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Genuine Lemon-Herb Pasta Primavera 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 Genuine Lemon-Herb 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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Genuine Lemon-Herb 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 Genuine Lemon-Herb Pasta Primavera 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.
What goes well with Genuine Lemon-Herb 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
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Love how the Italian come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
