Easy Lemony Spring Pea Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This easy lemony spring pea pasta is a fresh and creamy dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Bright lemon and sweet peas combine with rich cream and Parmesan for a deliciously satisfying pasta experience.

Ingredients

• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 3 cups frozen peas
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 500 g (approx 1lb) pasta of your choice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, sauté the onion and garlic in a splash of olive oil over medium heat until soft and translucent.
3. Step 3: Add the frozen peas and lemon zest to the pan. Stir to combine and cook for a couple of minutes until peas are heated through.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Step 5: Add the lemon juice gradually, starting with half, and season the sauce with salt and pepper. Adjust lemon juice to taste to avoid too much acidity.
6. Step 6: Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the sauce along with the Parmesan cheese.
7. Step 7: Stir in some of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy, glossy sauce that coats the noodles well. Add more water if needed for desired consistency.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately topped with extra grated Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon if you like.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh peas in season for a sweeter, more vibrant flavor instead of frozen.
• Swap heavy cream for crème fraîche or Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce with less fat.
• Add fresh herbs like mint or basil for added freshness and complexity.
• For a protein boost, stir in cooked chicken or crispy pancetta before serving.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out the pasta.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Choose your favorite for the best results.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute instead of cheese.

Easy Lemony Spring Pea Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 71 reviews

This Easy Lemony Spring Pea Pasta is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for springtime dining. Featuring tender peas, zesty lemon, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this pasta comes together quickly for a delicious weeknight meal bursting with bright flavors and a creamy texture.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups frozen peas
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Dairy

• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Pantry

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 500 g (approximately 1 lb) pasta of your choice
• Olive oil (a splash for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Peas: While the pasta cooks, heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent. Then, stir in the frozen peas and lemon zest, cooking until the peas are warmed through.
3. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream to the skillet and let it simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add the lemon juice gradually, starting with half, to avoid making the sauce too acidic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
5. Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually pour in some reserved pasta cooking water while stirring to achieve a creamy, glossy sauce that evenly coats the pasta. Add more water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve: Plate the pasta and serve topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges for squeezing over. Enjoy the fresh and zesty flavors!

Notes

• Adding lemon juice gradually helps prevent the sauce from becoming too tart.
• Reserve some pasta water to thin out the sauce and help it cling beautifully to the pasta.
• Use fresh Parmesan for a richer flavor and better melting quality.
• Frozen peas are convenient but fresh peas can be used when in season for extra sweetness.
• This dish pairs well with a light green salad or crusty bread.

Keywords: spring pea pasta, lemon pasta, creamy pasta, vegetarian pasta, easy weeknight dinner, Italian pasta recipe