Lemon-Herb Pasta with Sautéed Asparagus
A bright, light pasta dish featuring tender asparagus and fresh herbs in a lemony garlic sauce that coats every strand. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, asparagus, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 560 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
- 1 lb, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1/4 cup salt) 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.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb trimmed asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 lemon zested and juiced, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta, adding more pasta water if too dry.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice or salt if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Pasta with Sautéed Asparagus 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-Herb Pasta with Sautéed 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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Pasta with Sautéed 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 Sautéed 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.
What goes well with Lemon-Herb Pasta with Sautéed Asparagus?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
