Buttery Garlic Pasta with Peas and Lemon
Ingredients
- 1 poundpasta (any shape kids like)
- 4 tablespoonbutter
- 3 clovesgarlic
- 2 cupsfrozen peas
- 1lemon
- ½ cupparmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
Prep
- 01
Mince 3 cloves garlic.
- 02
Zest and juice 1 lemon.
- 03
Grate 0.5 cup parmesan cheese.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain (save 1 cup pasta water).
- 02
While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring often.
- 03
Add frozen peas to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- 04
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the peas and garlic. Toss gently, adding 1/2 cup pasta water to create a light sauce. Add juice from the lemon and half the parmesan, then toss again.
- 05
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more pasta water if the pasta seems dry. Divide among bowls and top with remaining parmesan.
Spice Tips
Most kids enjoy this as-is, but you can add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to your own bowl for gentle warmth, or stir in fresh basil at the end for brightness.
This dish comes together in under 20 minutes. The pasta water creates a silky, light sauce without cream. You can swap the peas for corn, green beans, or broccoli.