Wave-Form Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus
A delicate pasta dish with wavy ribbons of asparagus and a bright lemon-dill sauce that dances like light on water. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs fettuccine, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill 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 fettuccine
- 12 oz trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 12 oz fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add 12 oz asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy, then stir in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1 tsp salt until emulsified.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta and asparagus to the sauce, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until pasta is coated and glistening, then season with 1/2 tsp black pepper and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wave-Form Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus 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 Wave-Form Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus?
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 Wave-Form Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus?
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 Wave-Form Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus 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 Wave-Form Lemon-Dill Pasta with Asparagus?
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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
