Lemon-Herb Asparagus Pasta
A bright, spring-inspired pasta dish featuring tender asparagus, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs, ready in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, asparagus, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 12 oz asparagus
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim woody ends from asparagus and cut into 1-inch pieces. Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil, add 8 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz asparagus pieces to the skillet and toss for 4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over the asparagus, then add drained spaghetti, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup chopped basil, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley; toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta and thickens.
- Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and serve immediately with extra lemon zest.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Asparagus Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (12 min prep + 18 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-Herb Asparagus Pasta?
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-Herb Asparagus Pasta?
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-Herb Asparagus Pasta 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-Herb Asparagus Pasta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
