About this recipe

A bright, fresh, and satisfying pasta loaded with the best vegetables of the season — asparagus, peas, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes — all tossed in a light garlic-white wine sauce with plenty of Parmesan. This is a reliable weeknight favorite that comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like spring in every bite.

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season it very generously with kosher salt — it should taste pleasantly salty, like mild seawater. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.

2. 2

   Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente (usually 1 minute less than the package suggests). Before draining, scoop out at least ½ cup of the starchy pasta cooking water reserved before draining and set it aside — this is key to building your sauce. Drain the pasta and set aside.

3. 3

   While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over ^[medium heat]. Add the shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2–3 minutes. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Don't let the garlic brown.

4. 4

   Add the zucchini halved lengthwise to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 3 minutes. Add the asparagus tough ends snapped off pieces and cook for another 2 minutes — they should be bright green and just barely tender.

5. 5

   Pour in the white wine and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until mostly reduced, about 2 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes halved and peas, stir to combine, and cook for 1–2 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften slightly.

6. 6

   Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Pour in ¼ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water reserved before draining and add the butter. Toss everything together vigorously with tongs for 1–2 minutes over ^[medium heat]. The starchy water and butter will emulsify into a light, silky sauce that coats every strand. Add more pasta cooking water reserved before draining a splash at a time if the pasta looks dry.

7. 7

   Remove the skillet from heat. Add the lemon zest from about 1 lemon, lemon juice, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss well to combine. Taste and adjust kosher salt and black pepper as needed.

8. 8

   Divide the pasta among warm bowls. Top with torn fresh basil leaves, chopped parsley (if using), an extra grating of Parmesan cheese, and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately.