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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spring Peas

creamy garlic parmesan pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy garlic Parmesan pasta with fresh spring peas, perfect for a comforting and elegant dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 2 cups fresh spring peas (shelled) or frozen peas
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add 2 cups fresh spring peas and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, stirring gently to combine with garlic and peas. Let it warm through and slightly thicken, about 3 minutes.
  5. Stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently so every strand is coated. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optionally 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest.
  8. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Avoid burning the garlic by cooking it low and slow. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to pasta. Toss pasta in sauce off the heat to keep sauce smooth and silky. Freshly grate Parmesan for best flavor. This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets by substituting ingredients as noted.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic Parmesan pasta, spring peas pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta, comfort food