Lemon-Pea Asparagus Pasta with Fresh Basil
A vibrant spring pasta dish featuring tender asparagus and peas in a bright lemon-herb pesto, tossed with al dente spaghetti for a light yet satisfying meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, fresh peas, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Place a steamer basket in a pot with 1 inch of water, bring to a simmer, and steam 12 oz trimmed asparagus (cut into 1-inch pieces) and 1 cup fresh peas for 3 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain.
- Step 3: In a food processor, combine 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the food processor with the pesto and toss until coated, adding 1/4 cup reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Step 5: Gently fold in the steamed asparagus and peas, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Pea Asparagus Pasta with Fresh Basil 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-Pea Asparagus Pasta with Fresh Basil?
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-Pea Asparagus Pasta with Fresh Basil?
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-Pea Asparagus Pasta with Fresh Basil 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-Pea Asparagus Pasta with Fresh Basil 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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order italian delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
