Lemon-Glazed Asparagus Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant, light pasta dish featuring tender asparagus and sweet cherry tomatoes bathed in a bright lemon-dill sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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
- 12 oz, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
- to taste salt
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 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz trimmed asparagus (cut into 2-inch pieces) and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and cook for 5 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp and tomatoes begin to soften.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
- Step 4: Add 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped dill, season with salt, and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce clings to the strands, about 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined, then serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Glazed Asparagus Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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-Glazed Asparagus Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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-Glazed Asparagus Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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-Glazed Asparagus Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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-Glazed Asparagus Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 bright lemon flavor! My family devoured it.
- ★★★★☆
Takes longer to reduce the glaze than the recipe says, but worth the wait.
- ★★★★☆
Asparagus was slightly overcooked, but the glaze was perfect for the pasta.
