Zesty Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera

Name: Zesty Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 cup green peas; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 15 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Welcome to a refreshing take on pasta night with this Zesty Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera. Bursting with vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this dish is perfect for a light, satisfying meal any time of the year. It's a delightful way to bring a touch of spring to your table, regardless of the season.

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Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera

Spaghetti is the foundation of this dish, providing that comforting, familiar base we all love. Olive oil enhances the flavors of the vegetables and keeps everything from sticking together. Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy burst, while asparagus adds a touch of elegance and a crisp bite. The yellow bell pepper is here for a splash of color and a subtle sweetness. Green peas contribute a pop of green and a hint of sweetness as well. Fresh basil and parsley are the herbs that tie everything together with their aromatic freshness. The lemon juice and zest are what make this dish sing, adding bright and zesty notes. Finally, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives a gentle heat that balances the citrus flavors.

Tips & Tricks

To keep the pasta from sticking, toss it with a bit of olive oil after draining.
Taste for seasoning before serving. A little extra salt or lemon juice can really make the flavors pop.
If you like your veggies on the softer side, sauté them a minute or two longer.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty bread. For a little extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. A chilled glass of white wine complements the lemony notes perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?: Absolutely! Feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. Penne or fettuccine work great too.
What if I don't have fresh basil or parsley?: No worries, dried herbs can work in a pinch. Just use a teaspoon of each instead.
How can I make this dish vegan?: This recipe is already vegan! Just double-check that your pasta doesn't contain eggs.

Zesty Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your pasta going. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's al dente. You want it to have a slight bite to it, not mushy. Once it's done, drain it and set it aside.

While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and asparagus, and let them sauté for about 3 minutes. You'll notice the tomatoes getting juicy and the asparagus turning a vibrant green.

Next, add the yellow bell pepper and green peas to the skillet. Continue to sauté for another 2 minutes, just enough to soften them slightly while keeping their crunch.

Now for the fun part: add your cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the basil, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. You want the pasta to soak up all those wonderful flavors.

Serve it up immediately. If you like, garnish with a few extra herbs for that finishing touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Loaded with fresh vegetables, offering a healthy option without compromising on taste.
The zesty lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist that sets it apart from traditional pasta dishes.
Perfectly versatile for vegetarians and easily adaptable for different dietary needs.

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti

2 tbsp olive oil

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced

1/2 cup green peas

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp lemon zest

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

3. Add the cherry tomatoes and asparagus, and sauté for 3 minutes.

4. Add the yellow bell pepper and green peas, continuing to sauté for another 2 minutes.

5. Stir in the cooked spaghetti, fresh basil, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.