Lemon-Dill Pasta with Peas and Asparagus
A bright, spring-inspired pasta dish featuring tender asparagus and fresh peas tossed in a lemon-dill sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 33 minutes pairs spaghetti, fresh peas, zested and juiced 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
- 1 lb, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 3 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and 1 tsp salt, then cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb trimmed asparagus pieces and 1 cup fresh peas, then cook for 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat. Stir in 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until cheese melts and sauce coats pasta evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Pasta with Peas and Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 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 Peas and 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 Peas and 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 Peas and 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 Peas and 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
- ★★★★★
Loved the fresh lemon and dill! Made for my kids and they couldn't get enough of the peas and asparagus. A new favorite for quick dinners.
- ★★★★☆
The peas and asparagus were a nice touch, but the pasta was a bit overcooked. Still delicious though.
- ★★★★☆
Slightly bland for my taste, but the lemon and dill combo is refreshing. Took a bit longer to cook the asparagus than expected.
