Creamy Peas and Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Peas and Pasta recipe—an effortless yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Featuring tender pasta swirled in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe pairs the rich, buttery flavors of the sauce with the subtle sweetness of vibrant green peas. A hint of garlic and optional garnishes of zesty lemon zest and fresh parsley elevate this simple meal to gourmet status. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder is made with pantry staples like pasta, frozen peas, and milk, making it both budget-friendly and irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for vegetarians and customizable with your favorite pasta shapes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, chopped for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, place the frozen peas in a heatproof bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them sit for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste (this is your roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Once the milk is incorporated, add the heavy cream and continue whisking. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Add the cooked pasta and drained peas to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your Creamy Peas and Pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1872 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 101.5 g | 130% | |
| Saturated Fat | 59.9 g | 300% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 301 mg | 100% | |
| Sodium | 3623 mg | 158% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 165.0 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.2 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.5 g | ||
| Protein | 70.6 g | 141% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 1345 mg | 103% | |
| Iron | 5.9 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 1330 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
