Lemon-Herb Pasta with Asparagus
Bright pasta tossed with fresh asparagus, lemon zest, and a garlic-herb oil, finished with a sprinkle of cheese. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, (trimmed) asparagus, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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 pasta
- 1 lb (trimmed) asparagus
- 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook asparagus for 5 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly charred.
- Step 3: Mince 3 garlic cloves and add to the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta to skillet along with 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon zest, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Toss for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, topped with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and extra lemon zest.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Pasta with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Pasta with Asparagus?
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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Pasta with Asparagus?
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 Pasta with Asparagus 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 Pasta with Asparagus 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is now a regular in my rotation. The lemon and garlic combo is amazing. My kids even ate the asparagus!
- ★★★★★
Best pasta recipe I've tried in a while. The asparagus adds a nice crunch and the herb sauce is light and flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Such a quick and healthy meal. The lemon zest really made it pop. Served with a glass of white wine, it was divine.
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