Lemon-Dill Pasta with Fresh Peas
A bright, spring-inspired pasta dish with tender peas and fresh dill, finished with lemon zest and toasted pine nuts for a fragrant, elegant weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic 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
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated pecorino romano cheese
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, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup frozen peas to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and tender. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh dill and 1 tsp lemon zest, then add the drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated pecorino romano cheese and 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately with extra dill for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Pasta with Fresh Peas take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Fresh Peas?
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 Fresh Peas?
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 Fresh Peas 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 Lemon-Dill Pasta with Fresh Peas 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
