Description
This pasta and peas recipe is a simple, satisfying, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (such as penne, farfalle, or rotini)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- In the last 2 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the frozen peas to the pot. This ensures they are cooked but still retain a bit of their freshness.
- Drain the pasta and peas in a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. If using garlic, sautΓ© it until fragrant. Add the drained pasta and peas back to the pot. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if using). Add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Pasta: The better the pasta, the better the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better.
- Fresh or Frozen Peas: Both work well, but frozen peas are more convenient.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Sauce: Add more pasta water for a thinner sauce or more cheese for a thicker sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pasta and peas, pasta with peas, easy pasta, quick pasta dish, pea pasta, homemade pasta with peas