Squash Noodle Primavera with Pea Puree

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

A light, colorful pasta alternative made with spiralized squash and a vibrant pea-based sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (low-carb, vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs zucchini, fresh peas, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.6 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 inch of water to a simmer over medium heat. Add fresh peas and cook for 3 minutes until bright green, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a blender, puree cooked peas, 2 tbsp water, and lemon juice until smooth; set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss for 2-3 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
  5. Step 5: Stir in pea puree and heavy cream, cooking for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the noodles.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper, then serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Squash Noodle Primavera with Pea Puree take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Squash Noodle Primavera with Pea Puree?

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 zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Squash Noodle Primavera with Pea Puree?

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 Squash Noodle Primavera with Pea Puree for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Squash Noodle Primavera with Pea Puree low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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