Ramp and Pine Nut Pasta
Pasta tossed with wild ramps, toasted pine nuts, and lemon, capturing the essence of spring harvests. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, ramps, pine nuts for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 352 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup ramps
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 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 skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup pine nuts and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 cup finely chopped ramps.
- Step 4: Cook for 3-4 minutes until ramps wilt, then stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and salt to taste.
- Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta.
- Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ramp and Pine Nut Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Ramp and Pine Nut Pasta?
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 Ramp and Pine Nut Pasta?
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 Ramp and Pine Nut Pasta 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 Ramp and Pine Nut Pasta 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
- ★★★★★
This was my first time using ramps and I'm hooked! The recipe was simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
The ramps were perfectly balanced with the pine nuts. My family couldn't get enough!
- ★★★★☆
Loved the dish, but the ramps took a bit longer to cook than I expected.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.