Ring-Shell Pasta Primavera
A vibrant spring pasta dish with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon-herb dressing, inspired by the lively energy of Ring's community discussions. This italian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs linguine pasta, pint, halved cherry tomatoes, medium, diced zucchini into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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 linguine pasta
- 1 bunch, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 pint, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced zucchini
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz linguine pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
- Step 3: Add 1/2-inch asparagus pieces, 1 cup zucchini, and 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, stirring frequently.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and 1/4 cup pasta water. Toss until the pasta is well coated with the vegetable mixture. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ring-Shell Pasta Primavera 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 Ring-Shell Pasta Primavera?
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 linguine pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ring-Shell Pasta Primavera?
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 Ring-Shell Pasta Primavera 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 Ring-Shell Pasta Primavera 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
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.