Description
Creamy Pea Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish that features tender penne or fusilli pasta tossed in a silky cream sauce with sweet green peas, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meatless lunch, this flavorful recipe comes together with simple ingredients and a creamy, luscious texture.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces pasta, such as penne or fusilli
- 1 cup frozen green peas
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Peas: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the pasta water. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and peas thoroughly.
- Prepare the Sauce: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
- Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the cream slightly thickens, creating a silky base for the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss Pasta and Peas in Sauce: Add the drained pasta and peas to the skillet. Toss gently until everything is uniformly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Finish and Garnish: Stir in fresh lemon juice for brightness if desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the pasta warm immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest and most flavorful sauce.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick to maintain creaminess.
- For extra depth of flavor, sauté finely chopped shallots along with the garlic.
- Enhance the dish with additions like spinach, mushrooms, or grilled chicken for more variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Lunch, Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
