Herb-Pancetta Spring Pasta with Asparagus

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender penne pasta tossed with crisp asparagus, sweet peas, and garlic-herb pancetta in a silky lemon-herb sauce, celebrating spring's fresh flavors. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, asparagus, sugar snap peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 3.9 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim 8 oz asparagus into 1-inch pieces and halve 6 oz sugar snap peas. Cut 1 cup cherry tomatoes in half.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz penne pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Step 3: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 8 oz asparagus, 6 oz sugar snap peas, and 1 cup cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Add drained penne pasta, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta and thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Pancetta Spring Pasta with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Herb-Pancetta Spring Pasta with Asparagus?

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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Pancetta Spring Pasta with Asparagus?

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 Herb-Pancetta Spring Pasta with Asparagus 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 Herb-Pancetta Spring Pasta with Asparagus 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.

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