Savory Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light spring-inspired pasta dish featuring tender asparagus, sweet peas, and a lemony garlic sauce that clings perfectly to al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 33 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 420 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim asparagus ends and cut stalks into 1-inch pieces. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 8 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add asparagus pieces and cook for 4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup fresh peas and cook for 2 minutes until heated through. Add drained spaghetti, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Toss for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats pasta.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, adjusting to taste. Serve immediately while hot.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 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 Savory Pasta Primavera with 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 Savory Pasta Primavera with 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 Savory Pasta Primavera with 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 Savory Pasta Primavera with 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

Related recipes