Lemon-Herb Chickpea Pasta Primavera

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, protein-packed pasta dish with tender vegetables and a bright lemon-herb sauce that comes together in under 25 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, medium, thinly sliced zucchini, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.0 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean 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 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 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 2 medium thinly sliced zucchini and 8 oz trimmed asparagus pieces, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 (15 oz) can drained chickpeas and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp grated lemon zest, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and 1 tbsp chopped dill.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats every strand, adding more pasta water if needed to reach a creamy consistency.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Chickpea 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 Chickpea 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 Chickpea 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.

Is Lemon-Herb Chickpea Pasta Primavera vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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