Hidden Network Pasta Primavera

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-05 · Updated 2026-04-05

A vibrant spring pasta dish featuring seasonal vegetables and a creamy hidden sauce that ties everything together. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs fettuccine pasta, medium, spiralized zucchini, fresh or frozen peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

★ 3.6 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving

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Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine pasta
2 medium, spiralized zucchini
8 oz, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
1 cup, fresh or frozen peas
2 tbsp olive oil
3, minced garlic cloves
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 2 spiralized medium zucchini and 8 oz asparagus pieces. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 3: Stir in 1 cup fresh or frozen peas and cook for 2 minutes until bright green. Add 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, simmering gently for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Toss the drained fettuccine into the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired creaminess.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hidden Network Pasta Primavera take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Hidden Network 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 Hidden Network 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 Hidden Network 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 Hidden Network 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.