Sakura Blossom Pasta Primavera

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A delicate spring-inspired pasta dish featuring fresh asparagus, peas, and a hint of cherry blossom-infused lemon sauce, mirroring the rising trends in seasonal ingredients. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs Spaghetti, Asparagus, Fresh peas 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim asparagus ends and cut into 1-inch pieces. Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tbsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz asparagus pieces and 1 cup fresh peas to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until asparagus is crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Return drained pasta to the pot. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, lemon zest, 2 tsp cherry blossom water, and 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta evenly.
  5. Step 5: Adjust consistency with remaining pasta water if needed, adding salt to taste. Serve immediately with extra cheese for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sakura Blossom Pasta Primavera 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 Sakura Blossom 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sakura Blossom 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 Sakura Blossom 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.

What goes well with Sakura Blossom Pasta Primavera?

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.

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