Lemon-Zested Spring Pea and Asparagus Pasta
A vibrant, light pasta dish featuring tender asparagus and fresh peas tossed in a lemon-herb sauce with garlic and Parmesan for a perfect spring weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 cup, fresh peas
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped basil
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup, reserved pasta water
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic is golden.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup asparagus pieces and 1 cup peas to the skillet, cooking for 3 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp and peas are bright green.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, then add the drained spaghetti and toss to coat.
- Step 5: Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and toss until melted and creamy, adding more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency; season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Zested Spring Pea and Asparagus Pasta 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-Zested Spring Pea and Asparagus Pasta?
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-Zested Spring Pea and Asparagus Pasta?
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-Zested Spring Pea and Asparagus Pasta 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-Zested Spring Pea and Asparagus Pasta 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect pasta recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
