Pasta with Sautéed Asparagus and Peas
A vibrant spring-inspired pasta dish featuring tender asparagus, sweet peas, and fresh basil in a light garlic olive oil sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, asparagus, frozen peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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 lb asparagus
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup 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 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces, and 1 cup frozen peas, and cook for 5 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1/4 cup fresh basil and stir.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats every strand, adding more pasta water if needed to reach a creamy consistency.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta with Sautéed Asparagus and Peas 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 Pasta with Sautéed 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 Sautéed 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 Sautéed 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.
Is Pasta with Sautéed Asparagus and Peas gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
