Lemon-Dill Pasta with Roasted Asparagus
A vibrant dish featuring al dente spaghetti coated in a bright lemon-dill sauce with tender roasted asparagus spears. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan 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 cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1 cup asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened, then add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat, adding more reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Pasta with Roasted Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Roasted 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 Roasted 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 Roasted 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 Roasted 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
- ★★★★★
This is exactly what I needed for a quick weeknight dinner. The dill added such a nice touch, and the lemon cut through the richness.
- ★★★★★
So fresh and flavorful! The recipe was easy to follow and the asparagus came out perfectly. A new favorite!
- ★★★★★
The lemon and dill really brightened up the pasta, and the roasted asparagus was tender. Made for my family and they all raved!
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