Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Asparagus and Peas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, simple pasta dish featuring tender asparagus and peas in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce, ready in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, chopped asparagus, frozen peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 3.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (add 1/2 tsp salt). Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup chopped asparagus and 1 cup frozen peas to the skillet, and cook for 4-5 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp and peas are heated through.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 1 minute, adding 1/2 cup reserved pasta water if needed to create a light coating.
  5. Step 5: Season with black pepper to taste and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Asparagus and Peas take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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-Garlic Pasta with Asparagus and 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-Garlic Pasta with Asparagus and 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-Garlic Pasta with Asparagus and Peas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Garlic Pasta with Asparagus and Peas?

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.

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