One-Pan Lemon-Dill Pasta with Peas
Bright and simple pasta tossed with fresh herbs and seasonal peas in a single pan for a weeknight dinner that comes together in under 25 minutes. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup frozen peas and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the skillet, stirring for 2 minutes until peas are bright green and tender.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, and 1 tsp salt. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats strands and thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted, and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Lemon-Dill Pasta with Peas take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 One-Pan Lemon-Dill Pasta with Peas?
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 One-Pan Lemon-Dill Pasta with Peas?
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 One-Pan Lemon-Dill Pasta with Peas 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 One-Pan Lemon-Dill Pasta with Peas 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
- ★★★★★
My go-to for a quick dinner. The peas add the perfect touch.
- ★★★★★
Perfect one-pan meal, so easy and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Loved the fresh lemon and dill flavor! Made for my family, they devoured it.
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