Lemon-Glazed Asparagus Pasta with Fresh Herbs

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

A bright, light pasta dish featuring tender asparagus and a zesty lemon-herb sauce that clings perfectly to al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, medium, diced red onion 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced red onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup asparagus and 1 cup peas to the skillet, stirring to coat in oil, and cook for 4 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, then add 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, and 1/4 cup grated parmesan. Toss for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta, adding more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Glazed Asparagus Pasta with Fresh Herbs 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-Glazed Asparagus Pasta with Fresh Herbs?

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 Fresh Herbs?

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 Fresh Herbs 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 Fresh Herbs?

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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