Spring Initializr Lemon-Dill Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy lemon-dill pasta with fresh herbs and a hint of garlic, ready in 15 minutes for busy weeknights. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs fettuccine, heavy cream, lemon juice 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Add drained pasta to saucepan, tossing to coat. Stir in 1.5 tbsp fresh dill and 1/4 cup grated parmesan until cheese melts and sauce coats the pasta.
  5. Step 5: If sauce is too thick, add remaining pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency. Season with salt and remaining dill before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spring Initializr Lemon-Dill Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Spring Initializr Lemon-Dill 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 fettuccine from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spring Initializr Lemon-Dill 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 Spring Initializr Lemon-Dill 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.

What goes well with Spring Initializr Lemon-Dill Pasta?

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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