Lemon-Herb Butter Pasta Primavera

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, light pasta dish featuring tender vegetables and a silky lemon-herb sauce that coats every strand perfectly. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, medium zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.

★ 3.8 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily 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: While pasta cooks, trim asparagus and cut into 1-inch pieces. Slice zucchini and yellow squash into 1/4-inch half-moons. Mince garlic and zest both lemons, reserving 2 tbsp juice.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, yellow squash, and asparagus, season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp and lightly golden at edges.
  4. Step 4: Add minced garlic and lemon zest to skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp reserved lemon juice and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to skillet and toss for 2 minutes to coat. Remove from heat and stir in 3 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup basil, 1/4 cup parsley, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until sauce thickens and coats pasta strands, adding more pasta water if needed.
  6. Step 6: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately with extra basil for garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Butter Pasta Primavera take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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-Herb Butter Pasta Primavera?

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 Butter Pasta Primavera?

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 Butter Pasta Primavera 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-Herb Butter Pasta Primavera?

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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