Lemon-Dill Fresh Herb Pasta with Asparagus
A light and refreshing pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a bright lemon-dill sauce with crisp-tender asparagus, ideal for a summer meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 12 oz, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain spaghetti.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz asparagus pieces and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5 minutes until asparagus is crisp-tender and slightly golden.
- Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to skillet with 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped dill, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until sauce coats the pasta. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Fresh Herb Pasta with Asparagus 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 Lemon-Dill Fresh Herb 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Fresh Herb 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 Lemon-Dill Fresh Herb 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.
What goes well with Lemon-Dill Fresh Herb Pasta with Asparagus?
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
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
