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A colorful array of lemony spring vegetables on a platter.

Lemony Spring Vegetable Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts

This vibrant pasta dish combines fresh spring vegetables like asparagus and peas with a zesty lemon sauce and crunchy toasted pine nuts for a light and flavorful meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 ounces linguine or orecchiette
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for finishing
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bunch asparagus woody ends snapped off and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup snap peas trimmed and halved diagonally
  • lemon zest of 1 large lemon
  • lemon juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free), plus more for serving
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • red pepper flakes for a touch of heat (optional)

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add asparagus to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Stir in peas and snap peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes until vibrant and heated.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and toss with lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and chopped dill.
  6. Add drained pasta, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet.
  7. Toss vigorously until a light sauce coats the pasta and vegetables, adding more pasta water as needed.
  8. Season generously with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Toasting pine nuts beforehand enhances their flavor and aroma. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.