Heather's Glamorous Pasta Primavera
A vibrant spring dish with fresh vegetables and a creamy lemon-herb sauce, perfect for celebrating life's moments like Heather Locklear's birthday. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs spaghetti, asparagus, medium zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 1 lb asparagus
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
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: Trim asparagus ends and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Dice zucchini into 1/4-inch cubes. Halve cherry tomatoes.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in asparagus, zucchini, and tomatoes; cook 5 minutes until tender.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup fresh parsley.
- Step 5: Toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce, adding 1/2 cup pasta water to loosen. Top with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and a drizzle of lemon juice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Heather's Glamorous Pasta Primavera take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 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 Heather's Glamorous 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 Heather's Glamorous 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 Heather's Glamorous 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.
Is Heather's Glamorous Pasta Primavera 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
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
