Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus
A bright, simple pasta dish featuring tender asparagus and fresh dill, tossed in a light lemon-herb sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, asparagus, lemon 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 12 oz asparagus
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (use 1 tsp salt). Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Trim asparagus ends and cut into 1-inch pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add asparagus and 1/4 tsp salt, sautéing for 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp fresh dill to the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Return drained spaghetti to the pot. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 2 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta.
- Step 5: Stir in asparagus mixture and remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, adjusting with more pasta water if needed to reach a creamy consistency.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Dill 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 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 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 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
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
