Multiple Lot Pasta Primavera with Lemon Zest

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

A vibrant spring pasta dish featuring a colorful mix of seasonal vegetables and a bright lemon-herb finish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs fettuccine pasta, zucchini, asparagus for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 510 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 510 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 ounces fettuccine and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, trim asparagus spears and cut into 1-inch pieces. Peel and slice zucchini into thin half-moons. Cut cherry tomatoes in half.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add zucchini and asparagus to the skillet, stirring for 4 minutes until crisp-tender. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
  5. Step 5: Add drained pasta to the skillet along with 3 tablespoons reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta evenly. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Multiple Lot Pasta Primavera with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Multiple Lot Pasta Primavera with Lemon Zest?

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 Multiple Lot Pasta Primavera with Lemon Zest?

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 Multiple Lot Pasta Primavera with Lemon Zest 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 Multiple Lot Pasta Primavera with Lemon Zest?

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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