Unclaimed Property Pasta Primavera
A vibrant spring vegetable pasta dish featuring fresh seasonal produce and a light lemon-herb sauce, inspired by the 'search' for hidden treasures in your kitchen. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, medium, thinly sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 penne pasta
- 2 medium, thinly sliced zucchini
- 1 bunch, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh basil
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 2 medium thinly sliced zucchini and 1 bunch trimmed asparagus, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Step 5: Add the drained pasta, 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 lemon zest, and 1 lemon juice, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce coats the pasta.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Unclaimed Property Pasta Primavera take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Unclaimed Property 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Unclaimed Property 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 Unclaimed Property 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 Unclaimed Property 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
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
