Smith's Lemon-Herb Pasta Primavera
A light, vibrant pasta dish featuring seasonal vegetables and a bright lemon-garlic sauce that dances on perfectly al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, medium zucchini, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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: While pasta cooks, thinly slice 2 medium zucchini into half-moons and chop 1 cup cherry tomatoes in half. Mince 3 garlic cloves and finely chop 1/4 cup fresh basil.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini and sauté for 4 minutes until slightly tender, then add tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes until they begin to burst.
- Step 4: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, then squeeze in juice from 1 lemon and pour in 1/2 cup vegetable broth. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until sauce clings to noodles. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly distributed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smith's Lemon-Herb Pasta Primavera take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Smith's Lemon-Herb 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 Smith's Lemon-Herb 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 Smith's Lemon-Herb 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 Smith's Lemon-Herb 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
