Martin's Vintage Pasta Primavera

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant spring vegetable pasta dish featuring a silky lemon-herb sauce that captures the essence of Italian tradition. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 33 minutes pairs fettuccine pasta, medium (12 oz), thinly sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup minced zucchini, 1/2 cup minced yellow squash, and 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice, then remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Add drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 2 tbsp butter, and 1/4 cup chopped basil. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta evenly and emulsifies.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed, until sauce clings to pasta without being wet.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Martin's Vintage Pasta Primavera take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 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 Martin's Vintage 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 fettuccine pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Martin's Vintage 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 Martin's Vintage 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.

What goes well with Martin's Vintage Pasta Primavera?

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.

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