Imagine twirling fresh pasta around your fork, each bite bursting with the bright, vibrant flavor of Green Pea Pasta. This delightful dish combines the creamy sweetness of green peas with the tender texture of perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of taste and aroma that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, the simplicity of this recipe makes it accessible for any home cook. Picture serving it up as the sun sets, laughter echoing around the table, while everyone savors this comforting yet elegant meal.
In this article, you’ll discover a step-by-step guide to crafting this dish, from preparing the luscious pea sauce to garnishing with fresh herbs. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a deliciously quick meal that celebrates the beauty of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Green Pea Pasta
This vibrant dish combines health and flavor in a delightful way, making it a standout addition to any meal plan.
- Quick to make — Whip it up in just 20 minutes, ideal for those hectic evenings.
- Budget-friendly — Utilizes affordable ingredients, helping you save without sacrificing taste.
- Kid-approved — The sweet flavor of green peas makes it appealing to even the pickiest eaters.
- Health-packed — Rich in plant-based protein and fiber, it’s a nutritious choice for everyone.
- Perfect for meal prep — Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week with minimal effort.
- Impressive for guests — Serve it at dinner parties to wow your friends with something unique and colorful.
- Minimal cleanup — This one-pot wonder means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.
Ingredients
For the Green Pea Pasta
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas (blanched)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon water (as needed)
For the Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Food processor or blender
- Rolling pin (preferably adjustable for pasta thickness)
- Pasta cutting wheel or knife
- Large pot for boiling water
- Colander for draining pasta
- Non-stick skillet (optional but helpful for sautéing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Green Pea Pasta
Prepare the Pasta Dough
- Add flour and salt. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
- Blend peas. In a food processor, puree 1 cup of cooked green peas with 2 large eggs until smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine mixtures. Gradually pour the pea mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Use your hands to bring it together.
- Knead the dough. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour as needed.
- Rest the dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
Roll and Shape the Pasta
- Dust the surface. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough using a rolling pin until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the pasta. Use a sharp knife or pasta cutter to slice the dough into your desired shapes, such as fettuccine or tagliatelle.
- Dust with flour. Sprinkle the cut pasta lightly with more flour to prevent sticking, then set aside to dry for about 10 minutes.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil water. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Cook the pasta. Gently add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it floats to the surface and is tender. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, so stay close!
- Drain the pasta. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- Sauté garlic. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
- Add peas. Stir in an additional cup of fresh or frozen peas and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.
- Combine pasta and sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine and heat through for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
- Plate and garnish. Serve the green pea pasta immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Green Pea Pasta
- Use fresh or frozen peas — Fresh peas yield a sweeter flavor, but frozen peas are a fantastic option when fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw them fully before using.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta — Cook just until al dente to maintain the right texture. Follow package instructions and taste a minute before the suggested cooking time.
- Incorporate a splash of lemon juice — This brightens the dish and enhances the sweetness of the peas, making for a more vibrant flavor profile.
- Experiment with herbs — Fresh basil, mint, or parsley can add a refreshing twist. Toss in a handful just before serving for a fragrant finish.
- Create a creamy sauce with Greek yogurt — For a healthier update, mix in Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for an extra protein boost and a tangy flavor.
- Make it spicy — Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or mix in some chopped jalapeño for a delightful kick.
Variations to Try
- Mint and Pea Pesto — Blend the green peas with fresh mint, garlic, nuts, and olive oil for a unique twist on traditional pesto.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Fusion — Fold in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an added depth of flavor and a pop of color.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp — Top the pasta with sautéed shrimp tossed in garlic and lemon for a protein-packed meal.
- Cheesy Spinach Addition — Stir in fresh spinach and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese for a rich, decadent flavor.
How to Store Green Pea Pasta
Room Temperature: Green Pea Pasta should not be stored at room temperature, as it can spoil quickly. Always refrigerate or freeze any leftovers.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezer: Green Pea Pasta freezes well. Portion it into airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It keeps for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through (about 2-3 minutes total). Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil for about 5 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips
Cook the pasta and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator to maintain texture, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Estimated values per serving. Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used.
| Serving Size | 1 cup cooked |
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Sodium | 5mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green peas instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green peas work perfectly in this recipe and can save time. Just remember to thaw and drain them before incorporating them into the pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the green pea pasta can easily be made vegan. Use a plant-based protein source, like nutritional yeast, to add flavor without dairy.
How should I store leftover pasta?
Store leftover green pea pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely! Doubling the recipe is simple—just ensure you have a large enough pot to accommodate all the ingredients. Adjust seasoning to taste as you scale up.
Why did my pasta stick together?
Pasta can stick if not enough water is used during cooking or if it isn’t stirred frequently. Make sure to use a generous amount of water and stir the pasta in the beginning to keep it separated.
What flavors pair well with green pea pasta?
This pasta goes well with a light lemon sauce, fresh herbs, or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. A sprinkle of feta adds a nice salty contrast.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Cook them separately and combine just before serving to keep the texture fresh.
How do I enhance the flavor of the pasta?
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic and shallots during cooking or incorporating spices like red pepper flakes or cumin for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — a vibrant and satisfying Green Pea Pasta that’s not just easy to whip up but also bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress anyone at your table.
We encourage you to give this recipe a try! Share your experience by leaving a comment or rating below, and don’t forget to spread the joy by sharing it with friends on social media. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of your delicious creation!