Description
Bright, buttery linguine tossed with crisp spring vegetables and a zesty lemon sauce, this Lemony Linguine with Spring Vegetables is a fresh, light pasta dish that celebrates the flavors of the season. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful brunch, this recipe blends wholesome whole-wheat pasta with vibrant artichokes, spinach, and peas, all brightened by lemon zest and a hint of Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole-wheat linguine or fettuccine
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 1 (9-ounce) package frozen artichoke hearts
- 6 cups chopped mature spinach
- 2 cups peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3–4 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add the linguine and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sauté the sliced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the frozen artichoke hearts to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown, about 4 minutes.
- Pour in the water and bring to a gentle simmer; add the spinach and peas, cooking until the spinach wilts and peas are heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the half-and-half, lemon zest, and half of the Parmesan cheese; season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
Tip: Use fresh peas for a brighter color and sweeter flavor. Substitute zucchini or asparagus for a different spring vegetable. This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Freeze cooked pasta and sauce together for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: lemon, spring vegetables, pasta, vegetarian, healthy