Description
This bright and fresh Spring Vegetable Pasta is packed with asparagus, sweet peas, cherry tomatoes, and herbs tossed in a light lemony Parmesan sauce. It’s a quick, colorful, and satisfying seasonal pasta perfect for an easy dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne, linguine, or farfalle)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sugar snap peas or green peas
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or more to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and sugar snap peas to the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
4. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, then add the drained pasta.
5. Pour in the reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until well coated and lightly creamy.
6. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and parsley.
7. Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
You can add shredded or grilled chicken for extra protein if desired.
This pasta also tastes great chilled and can be enjoyed as a pasta salad the next day.
Reserve pasta water because the starch helps create a silky sauce that coats the pasta and vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg