Top Story Pasta Primavera
A light, colorful pasta dish bursting with spring vegetables and a lemony herb finish, perfect for a healthy headline. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 8 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup asparagus pieces, and 1/2 cup broccoli florets to the skillet; cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup vegetable broth and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; toss to coat, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Top Story Pasta Primavera take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Top Story 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 Top Story 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 Top Story Pasta Primavera 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.
What goes well with Top Story 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
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
