Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pasta tossed with fresh asparagus, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a bright lemon-dill sauce for a refreshing spring dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, asparagus for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 bunch asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, simmering for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 lemon zested, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, and 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan. Add drained spaghetti and toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta evenly and thickens slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Pasta with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 and Cherry Tomatoes 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 and Cherry Tomatoes?

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.

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