Easy Lemony Spring Pea Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/easy-lemony-spring-pea-pasta-recipe/
