Lemon-Dill Pasta
A bright, light pasta dish with fresh dill, lemon zest, and garlic, perfect for mild, breezy evenings. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 340g spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (add 1 tsp salt to water). Add 340g spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant—do not brown the garlic.
- Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to skillet along with 2 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp fresh dill, juice from 1 lemon, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce thickens and coats pasta.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 30 seconds until melted, then serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Pasta?
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 Pasta?
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 Pasta 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 Pasta?
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
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight meal—fresh, light, and so flavorful.
- ★★★★★
The lemon-dill pasta was a revelation! My family begged for seconds, and it was ready in under 20 minutes.
- ★★★★☆
Slightly bland for my taste, but the dill was fresh. I'll double the lemon next time.
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