Buttery Garlic Pasta with Peas and Lemon
Ingredients
- 1 poundpasta (any short shape (penne, farfalle, or shells work well))
- 2 cupsfrozen peas
- 4 tablespoonbutter
- 4 clovesgarlic
- 1lemon
- ½ cupparmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
Prep
- 01
Mince 4 cloves garlic.
- 02
Grate 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally. Two minutes before pasta is done, add frozen peas to the pot. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- 02
Return the empty pot to medium heat. Add butter and cook until melted and foamy, about 1 minute.
- 03
Add minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds (don't brown it).
- 04
Add the drained pasta and peas back to the pot. Toss well to coat with butter. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and stir until a light sauce forms, about 1 minute. Add more pasta water if needed for a silky consistency.
- 05
Remove from heat. Zest the lemon into the pot, then juice it over everything. Stir in parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
For warmth and depth, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. A pinch of nutmeg brings subtle sweetness that complements the peas. Fresh basil or parsley stirred in at the end adds brightness.
For a protein boost, stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon bits in step 5. Substitute any short pasta shape you have on hand.