Pasta with Lemon-Glazed Asparagus and Peas
Bright and fresh pasta tossed with tender asparagus, sweet peas, and a zesty lemon sauce for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, fresh or frozen peas, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 1 bunch, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1/4 cup, reserved pasta water
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 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Step 3: Add 1 bunch trimmed and cut asparagus and 1 cup peas to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Add 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat, adding more reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a silky texture. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta with Lemon-Glazed Asparagus and Peas take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Pasta with Lemon-Glazed Asparagus and 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 Pasta with Lemon-Glazed Asparagus and 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 Pasta with Lemon-Glazed Asparagus and 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.
What goes well with Pasta with Lemon-Glazed Asparagus and Peas?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick and delicious, will make again!
- ★★★★★
Loved this for dinner with the kids, they actually ate the asparagus!
- ★★★★☆
The lemon glaze was a bit too tart for my taste, but the peas were perfect.
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