Springtime Lemon Pasta: A Zesty & Vibrant Dish for a Delightful Season
This Springtime Lemon Pasta recipe is proudly sponsored by Minerva Dairy. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are 100% my own, reflecting my genuine love for quality ingredients.
This exquisite Springtime Lemon Pasta is a celebration of fresh, seasonal flavors, brought together by a silky, light sauce. Crafted with premium butter, a touch of reserved pasta water, and savory Parmesan cheese, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. It perfectly encapsulates the essence of spring, making it an ideal choice for a light and refreshing meal that everyone will adore.
Why This Springtime Lemon Pasta Will Be Your New Favorite
Imagine a dish so perfectly balanced, so bursting with fresh flavor, that you’d want to enjoy it every single day. This Springtime Lemon Pasta is exactly that. It’s incredibly light and fresh, with every ingredient complementing the next in a symphony of tastes and textures. The vibrant pops of green from the asparagus and sugar snap peas are not just visually appealing; they signal the arrival of warmer days and bountiful harvests.
Each forkful offers a delightful journey: the salty crunch of pancetta, the sharp, nutty notes of Parmesan cheese, invigorating citrus bursts from fresh lemon juice and fragrant dill, and the crisp, sweet tenderness of sugar snap peas. It’s a harmonious blend that truly feels like a taste of heaven, making it an instant classic for any spring gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner.
The Secret to a Luscious Sauce: Minerva Dairy Butter
The true star ingredient that elevates this pasta dish, bringing all the flavors together and creating its signature luscious, restaurant-quality sauce, is undoubtedly Minerva Dairy Butter. What sets Minerva Dairy butter apart, and why it’s absolutely crucial for this recipe, is its exceptional quality, boasting an impressive 85% butterfat content. This is significantly higher than many conventional butters, which typically contain around 80% butterfat.
This higher butterfat percentage translates directly into a richer, creamier, and more intensely flavorful sauce. It creates a smoother emulsion with the starchy pasta water and grated Parmesan, resulting in a velvety texture that coats every strand of fettuccine beautifully. Minerva Dairy butter doesn’t just add fat; it infuses the entire dish with a depth of flavor that’s truly unmatched, making this the easiest, lightest, and most undeniably delicious sauce you can whip up in a flash. It’s this dedication to quality that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.
Essential Ingredients for Your Springtime Pasta: A Simple Grocery List
Creating this delightful Springtime Lemon Pasta requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that are readily available. Focus on choosing the freshest produce to truly make the seasonal flavors sing. Here’s what you’ll need to gather from your local market:
- **Pasta:** 8.8 oz Creamette Homestyle™ Fettuccine (or your preferred long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or even a short pasta like penne or cavatappi).
- **Butter:** 4 tablespoons Minerva Dairy unsalted butter, divided. The quality of butter truly makes a difference here!
- **Pancetta:** 4 ounces, diced, for that irresistible salty crispness.
- **Aromatics:** 2 shallots, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced.
- **Green Vegetables:** 1 bunch of asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 4 ounces sugar snap peas.
- **Olive Oil:** 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
- **Citrus:** 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (don’t skimp on fresh!).
- **Seasoning:** 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, if you like a hint of heat.
- **Cheese:** 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping).
- **Fresh Herbs:** 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced.
A note on pasta: While Creamette Homestyle™ Fettuccine is fantastic for its texture, feel free to use any pasta shape you love. The key is to ensure it can adequately hold the luxurious sauce. Fresh, in-season produce will truly elevate this dish, so pick your asparagus and sugar snap peas carefully!
Crafting Your Perfect Springtime Lemon Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable, ensuring a delicious meal with minimal fuss. Follow these detailed steps for a truly memorable Springtime Lemon Pasta:
- **Cook the Pasta:** Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt – this is crucial for flavoring the pasta from within. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions, typically 5-7 minutes for al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/3 cup of the starchy, salty pasta water. This “liquid gold” will be essential for creating our silky sauce.
- **Crisp the Pancetta:** While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of Minerva Dairy butter and allow it to melt until shimmering. Once melted, add the diced pancetta to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pancetta is beautifully brown and delightfully crispy, which should take about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked pancetta and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Discard most of the rendered pancetta grease from the skillet, leaving approximately one tablespoon to infuse flavor into the next steps.
- **Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables:** Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the remaining Minerva Dairy butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and finely diced shallots to the pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become wonderfully fragrant and slightly softened. Avoid browning the garlic.
- **Add Spring Vegetables and Seasoning:** Toss in the trimmed asparagus pieces and sugar snap peas. Stir to coat them in the buttery aromatics. Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water – just enough to create a thin layer at the bottom of the pan and help steam the vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and the crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer.
- **Combine with Pasta:** Once the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp (about 2-3 minutes), add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the simmering vegetables and sauce. Toss gently to combine everything thoroughly.
- **Finish the Sauce:** Turn off the heat. This is crucial for maintaining the fresh flavor of the lemon and preventing the cheese from clumping. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the shaved Parmesan cheese. Toss continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly, creating a beautiful, glossy coating on the pasta.
- **Serve and Garnish:** Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Generously top each serving with the crispy pancetta, additional shaved Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh minced dill for a final flourish of flavor and aroma.
Customizing Your Culinary Creation: Tips & Variations
This Springtime Lemon Pasta recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy customization to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours:
- **Pasta Perfection:** Don’t limit yourself to fettuccine! This sauce would be equally delightful with other pasta shapes like penne, spaghetti, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or cavatappi. Shorter pasta shapes are excellent for catching all that luscious sauce.
- **Cheese Choices:** While Parmesan is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A dollop of creamy goat cheese on top adds a tangy counterpoint, gorgonzola offers a sharper bite, or fontina can provide a wonderfully melty, nutty flavor.
- **Flavorful Butter Swaps:** For an extra layer of savory depth, consider using Minerva Dairy garlic herb butter instead of plain unsalted butter. It will infuse the dish with aromatic notes, adding a truly gourmet touch.
- **Go Meatless:** This dish is equally satisfying without the pancetta. Simply omit it from the recipe to create a delicious vegetarian Springtime Lemon Pasta. You can still start with olive oil or butter for sautéing the aromatics.
- **Add More Protein:** To make this a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken breast, pan-seared shrimp, or flaky salmon during the final steps.
- **Herb Variations:** If dill isn’t your favorite, fresh parsley, chives, or even a hint of mint could provide a lovely alternative.
- **Seasonal Veggies:** Feel free to swap or add other quick-cooking spring vegetables like fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end), green beans, or even thinly sliced radishes for a peppery crunch.
Your Questions Answered: FAQs for Springtime Lemon Pasta
Here are some common questions you might have when preparing this Springtime Lemon Pasta, along with helpful answers:
- I can’t find pancetta, can I use bacon or prosciutto?
- Absolutely! Bacon is a suitable substitute, but keep in mind it’s a smoked meat, so your finished dish will have a smokier flavor profile. Both pancetta and prosciutto are cured meats without smokiness. If using prosciutto, which is typically very thin and doesn’t require cooking, you can tear it into pieces and add it in at the very end, just before serving, or lightly crisp it in the pan if desired.
- Can I use canned or frozen peas instead of fresh sugar snap peas?
- Yes, you can! If using frozen peas, there’s no need to thaw them; just toss them into the skillet with the asparagus and pasta water, allowing them to heat through. If using canned peas, drain them thoroughly and add them towards the very end, as they are already cooked and only need to be warmed.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? How should I store leftovers?
- This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce is light and can be absorbed by the pasta over time. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth and a small knob of butter to help re-emulsify the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
- Certainly! Simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Follow the package instructions for cooking times, as gluten-free pasta can vary. The rest of the ingredients and steps are naturally gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings for Your Pasta
This Springtime Lemon Pasta is a wonderfully complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a few simple accompaniments can elevate your dining experience. We love serving this light and flavorful pasta with a crisp, refreshing side salad, perhaps dressed with a simple vinaigrette to complement the zesty lemon notes in the pasta. To ensure you don’t miss a single drop of the exquisite sauce, crusty French bread or a hearty ciabatta is the perfect companion for soaking up all the goodness.
Because this pasta is so visually appealing, even directly from the pan, don’t hesitate to serve it family style in a large, beautiful serving bowl. For beverage pairings, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio would beautifully echo the lemon and fresh herbs. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling lemonade or infused water with cucumber and mint would be a lovely match.
The Complete Springtime Lemon Pasta Recipe
Springtime Lemon Pasta
This sauce for this silky and light Springtime Lemon pasta is made with butter, reserved pasta water and parmesan cheese. It’s delicious and super easy to make and celebrates the best produce of the season!
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 8.8 oz Creamette Homestyle™ Fettuccine
- 4 tablespoons Minerva Dairy unsalted butter, divided
- 4 ounces pancetta, diced
- 2 shallots, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bunch of asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1″ pieces
- 4 ounces sugar snap peas
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, if desired
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (more for topping)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
Instructions
- Into a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add in a pinch of salt and pasta and cook for 5-7 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup of the salty pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow to melt. Add in pancetta and cook until brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard some of the pancetta grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan.
- Add in remaining butter and melt. Add in garlic and shallot and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Toss in asparagus and snap peas and stir to coat. Add in 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water (enough to cover the bottom of the pan), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Add in the drained pasta.
- Turn off the heat and add in lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Toss until the cheese is melted and the pasta is well coated.
- Top with crispy pancetta, more shaved Parmesan, and fresh dill before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 325
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 41mg
Sodium: 252mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 8g
All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on strawberryblondiekitchen.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Cuisine: American
Category: Pasta
Keywords: pasta, spring, lemon, asparagus, sugar snap peas
Embrace the Freshness: Concluding Thoughts on This Springtime Delight
This Springtime Lemon Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the season. It’s a dish that proves how simple, high-quality ingredients, especially when paired with exceptional butter like Minerva Dairy’s, can create something truly extraordinary. It’s probably one of the easiest and most wholesome pasta dishes you can serve, combining health, flavor, and visual appeal effortlessly.
The bright lemon, tender-crisp vegetables, savory pancetta, and creamy, buttery sauce come together in a symphony of flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed. It’s a beautiful dish, both in its vibrant colors and its delightful taste, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t wait – you absolutely have to try this delightful pasta soon and experience its charm for yourself!
