Lemon-Dill Pasta with Sautéed Asparagus
A bright, herbaceous pasta dish featuring tender asparagus and a zesty lemon-dill sauce that coats every strand. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs Spaghetti, Olive oil, Lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 518 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
- 1/4 cup Lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped Fresh dill
- 1 lb, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces Asparagus
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp (for pasta water) Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add 1 tbsp salt, then cook 12 oz spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until al dente, draining and reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb asparagus pieces and a pinch of salt, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until vibrant green and tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp butter to the skillet and stir until melted, then add 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped dill, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Return drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats strands and cheese melts.
- Step 5: Season with 1/4 tsp pepper, toss once more, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Pasta with Sautéed 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 Sautéed 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 Sautéed 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 Sautéed 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 Sautéed 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 has become our go-to pasta dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
