Hidden Network Pasta Primavera

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving

Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

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

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

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.

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.