Pasta and Peas Recipe: A Quick, Creamy, and Delightful Meal 🍝🌿🧀
1. Introduction
Looking for a simple yet satisfying meal that doesn’t keep you chained to the kitchen? This pasta and peas recipe is the perfect solution! Quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor, this dish combines the comforting warmth of perfectly cooked pasta with the fresh, subtle sweetness of peas, creating a balanced and truly delicious meal. Whether you’re a busy parent juggling after-school activities, a student trying to eat well on a tight budget, or simply someone who appreciates good food without the fuss, this easy pasta and peas recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Forget complicated dinners; this delightful cream pasta with peas can grace your table in under 30 minutes. You might even have most of the ingredients already! Let’s dive in and discover just how simple it is to make this incredible dish! Maybe you’re looking for more dinner ideas or perhaps something for lunch, check our website.
2. Why This Pasta and Peas Recipe Works
This recipe truly stands out from the crowd, and for good reason: its unparalleled simplicity and remarkable speed. Using just a handful of readily available ingredients, you can effortlessly create a flavorful and surprisingly nutritious meal. The natural sweetness of the peas harmonizes beautifully with the savory richness of Parmesan cheese, while a touch of cream elevates the texture to a level of pure indulgence. This pasta with peas dish is also incredibly versatile – feel free to unleash your inner chef and customize it with additional vegetables, complementary herbs, or even a protein boost to perfectly suit your taste and dietary preferences. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra greens into your diet, making it a win-win for both your taste buds and your well-being! If you would like to read about us, feel free to check it out!
3. Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound pasta (such as penne, spaghetti, or rotini – the shape is really up to you!)
- 1 cup frozen peas (fresh works too, see tips below!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for that luscious creaminess)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (don’t skimp on the good stuff!)
- 2 tablespoons butter (adds richness and flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (essential for that aromatic base)
- Salt and black pepper to taste (season generously!)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional, but highly recommended)
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Peas
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt not only seasons the pasta from the inside out but also helps it cook evenly. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, aiming for al dente – slightly firm to the bite. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the pot. This crucial step ensures they are perfectly cooked – tender and vibrant – without becoming mushy and losing their delightful sweetness. Drain the pasta and peas thoroughly, but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid is liquid gold and will help create a beautifully emulsified sauce later on. Consider this for breakfast.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same pot (less cleanup!), melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be diligent here and careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter and ruin the flavor of the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The cream should coat the back of a spoon; this indicates it is ready for the next step.
Step 3: Combine and Season
Add the drained pasta and peas to the creamy sauce. Stir gently to combine, ensuring all the pasta is coated in the luscious sauce. Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. If the sauce is too thick for your liking (it should cling nicely to the pasta), add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and create a beautiful, emulsified texture. Finally, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – this is where you can truly make the dish your own!
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta and peas recipe immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is at its creamiest. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves, their peppery aroma complementing the sweetness of the peas and the richness of the Parmesan cheese. Offer extra Parmesan cheese at the table for those who desire an even cheesier experience. This easy pasta and peas recipe can be enjoyed as a satisfying main course or a delightful side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy your quick, comforting, and utterly creamy meal with family and friends! You can always check our homepage for more ideas.
5. Tips for the Perfect Pasta and Peas
- Use Fresh or Frozen Peas: While frozen peas are undeniably convenient and readily available year-round, using fresh peas, when in season, can add an extra layer of sweetness and a more delicate texture to the dish. If using fresh peas, shell them before cooking and add them to the pasta water during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Peas: I can’t stress this enough! Overcooked peas become mushy and lose their vibrant green color and sweet flavor. Adding the peas during the last few minutes of pasta cooking ensures they remain tender, bright, and bursting with freshness.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Seriously, don’t skip this step! This starchy water is a secret weapon in creating a creamier, more emulsified sauce. It helps the cream and cheese cling to the pasta, resulting in a silkier and more flavorful dish.
- Adjust the Creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of cream based on your personal preference. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even milk for the heavy cream. Just be aware that the sauce will be less rich and may require a little more Parmesan cheese to achieve the desired consistency.
- Add Protein: Transform this simple side dish into a heartier and more satisfying meal by adding your favorite protein. Cooked chicken, shrimp, crispy bacon, or pancetta all pair beautifully with the flavors of pasta and peas. For a vegetarian option, consider adding some sautéed tofu or chickpeas.
6. Variations to Try
Want to spice things up? This pasta and peas recipe is very versatile.
- Lemon Pasta and Peas: Add a burst of brightness to your dish by incorporating lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The citrusy notes will complement the sweetness of the peas and add a refreshing twist to the creamy sauce.
- Mushroom Pasta and Peas: Sauté sliced mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms) with the garlic for an earthy and umami-rich twist. The mushrooms will add depth of flavor and a more substantial texture to the dish.
- Spicy Pasta and Peas: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing for a hint of heat that will awaken your taste buds. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Vegetarian Pasta and Peas: Load up on extra nutrients and flavor by adding other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or asparagus. These vegetables will not only enhance the nutritional value of the dish but also add visual appeal and textural complexity.
7. Serving Suggestions
This pasta and peas recipe is undeniably delicious on its own, but it also pairs exceptionally well with a variety of complementary sides. Consider serving it alongside a crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette, garlic bread for soaking up the creamy sauce, or grilled vegetables for a healthy and balanced meal. It’s also a fantastic addition to a potluck gathering or a casual dinner party, where its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor will surely be appreciated. Thinking of a dinner idea? This pasta is a great option!
8. Health Benefits
This pasta with peas dish isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a powerhouse of nutrients! Peas are an excellent source of essential vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber and beneficial antioxidants. These nutrients can contribute to improved digestion, a boosted immune system, and the promotion of healthy, radiant skin. Pasta provides carbohydrates for sustained energy, while Parmesan cheese adds a dose of calcium and protein, both crucial for strong bones and muscle function. This cream pasta with peas offers a balanced and satisfying meal that will nourish your body from the inside out. If you’re interested, we have other recipes like beef shank recipes, beef shoulder roast recipeor tips like how to cook a beef shoulder roast, is beef shank good for slow cooking or how do you make beef shank stew.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, the pasta and peas recipe is a truly fantastic choice when you’re seeking a quick, incredibly easy, and undeniably delicious meal. Its reliance on simple, readily available ingredients and straightforward instructions makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of their cooking experience or culinary expertise. With its luxuriously creamy texture, the delicate sweetness of the peas, and the savory, umami-rich Parmesan cheese, this dish is guaranteed to please even the most discerning palate. So, the next time you find yourself yearning for a comforting and undeniably satisfying meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours, give this easy pasta and peas recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
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pasta and peas recipe
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This pasta and peas recipe is a quick, creamy, and delightful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines pasta, sweet peas, parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream for a comforting and satisfying dish. An easy pasta with peas recipe the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (such as penne, spaghetti, or rotini)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the pot. Drain the pasta and peas, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the drained pasta and peas to the creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh or Frozen Peas: While frozen peas are convenient, fresh peas can add an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Peas: Adding the peas during the last few minutes of pasta cooking ensures they remain tender and vibrant.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps to create a creamier sauce by emulsifying the cream and cheese.
- Adjust the Creaminess: Add more or less cream based on your preference. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or pancetta.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pasta and peas, pasta with peas, easy pasta recipe, cream pasta with peas, parmesan pasta, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta recipe, weeknight meal