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Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas

A vibrant and fresh Pasta Primavera featuring tender asparagus, sweet peas, and juicy cherry tomatoes, tossed with al dente pasta in a light garlic-lemon sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • to taste Salt for pasta water
For the Primavera Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb asparagus woody ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup frozen peas thawed
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth or reserved pasta water
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • pinch red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef's Knife
  • Colander

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cook the Vegetables
  1. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  3. Add the trimmed asparagus pieces and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until asparagus is tender-crisp and tomatoes just begin to soften.
Combine and Finish
  1. Stir in the thawed peas, vegetable broth (or 1/2 cup reserved pasta water), and fresh lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  2. Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the vegetables. Add chopped fresh parsley and basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too dry, add a splash more reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve
  1. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a fresh lemon wedge if desired.

Notes

For extra creaminess, a tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream can be added at the end. Other spring vegetables like snap peas, spinach, or broccoli florets can also be added. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.