Ah, Spring Pea Pasta! It’s like a little bowl of sunshine that captures the essence of spring in every bite. I remember the first time I made it; the kitchen filled with that sweet, fresh aroma of peas and garlic sizzling away. It was one of those beautiful days when everything felt alive, and I decided to whip up this vibrant dish to celebrate the season. The bright green peas pop with flavor, and the creamy Parmesan just ties everything together so perfectly. Honestly, it’s my go-to dish for those light, sunny evenings when I want something quick but absolutely delicious. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dreaming of spring every time you sit down to eat!
Ingredients List
To make this delightful Spring Pea Pasta, you’ll need some simple yet fresh ingredients that really shine in this dish. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 8 oz of your favorite pasta (I love using fusilli or penne for a nice twist!)
- 1 cup fresh spring peas (sweet and tender, they’re the star of the show)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for that rich, flavorful base)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (the perfect finishing touch)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy!)
- Pepper to taste (a little kick never hurt anyone)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (for that beautiful presentation and aroma)
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious springtime meal!
How to Prepare Spring Pea Pasta
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious Spring Pea Pasta! Trust me, it’s super simple and totally satisfying.
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it when you taste it. Remember, don’t forget to save about a cup of that pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for later!
Sautéing the Ingredients
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add in your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not brown—burnt garlic is a no-go! Next, toss in those lovely fresh spring peas and cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender and bright green. You’ll love that fresh aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Combining and Serving
Now, here’s where the magic happens! Once your pasta is done and drained, add it straight into the skillet with the peas and garlic. Give everything a good toss to combine, and don’t forget to add a splash of that reserved pasta water to help everything come together. Finally, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Plate it up, garnish with fresh basil for that pop of color, and voila! You’ve got a stunning Spring Pea Pasta that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into this delicious Spring Pea Pasta, it’s good to know what you’re putting into your body! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a general guideline. Typically, one serving of this dish contains about 350 calories, 12g of protein, 10g of fat, and 5g of fiber. If you’re curious about nutrition specifics for your favorite ingredients, feel free to check those labels! Remember, a vibrant dish like this is not just tasty but also packs a wholesome punch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Easy to customize with your favorite pasta shape.
- Bursting with fresh flavors that scream spring!
- Vegetarian-friendly, so it fits into a variety of diets.
- Light yet satisfying, ideal for any meal.
Tips for Success
To make your Spring Pea Pasta truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always use fresh ingredients—your peas should be bright green and sweet for that lovely flavor punch. If you can, opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil; it really enhances the dish. Timing is also key; don’t overcook the pasta or the peas. You want that perfect al dente texture and vibrant color! And remember, when adding the reserved pasta water, do it gradually; you want a creamy consistency without making it too soupy. Lastly, a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan right before serving makes all the difference—trust me, it elevates every bite!
Variations
The beauty of Spring Pea Pasta is how easily you can switch things up! For a fun twist, try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta—both add a unique flavor and texture. You could also experiment with different seasonal vegetables; asparagus and zucchini make fantastic additions and complement the peas beautifully. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth or add a handful of baby spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. And don’t forget about herbs! Fresh mint or parsley can really brighten up the dish. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any delicious Spring Pea Pasta leftovers, you’ll want to store them properly to keep that fresh flavor alive! Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of reserved pasta water to prevent it from drying out, and toss until warmed through. Just like that, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to go!
Serving Suggestions
To make your Spring Pea Pasta even more delightful, consider pairing it with a light arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette—its peppery notes complement the sweetness of the peas beautifully! For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for that extra protein boost. You could also offer some crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up any leftover sauce. And don’t forget a glass of crisp white wine; it’s the perfect finishing touch for this fresh and vibrant dish!
Print
Spring Pea Pasta: 7 Delicious Steps to Sunshine on a Plate
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant pasta dish featuring spring peas.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- 1 cup fresh spring peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add fresh peas and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Toss in the cooked pasta.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Substitute Parmesan with a vegan cheese for a vegan dish.
- Peas can be replaced with other seasonal vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Spring Pea Pasta