Lemon-Dill Spring Pasta with Fresh Peas

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

A quick, elegant pasta dish with tender spaghetti coated in a bright lemon-dill sauce and fresh spring peas. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 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, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup fresh peas to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until bright green and tender. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped dill and 2 tbsp lemon juice, then add the drained spaghetti and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Spring Pasta with Fresh Peas 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 Spring 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 Spring 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 Spring 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 Spring 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.

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