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Creamy Lemon Pasta with Peas and Crispy Garlic

weeknightitalian-inspiredcomfort food
10 minPrep15 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

  • 1 poundpasta
  • ·salt
  • 2 cupsfrozen peas
  • 4 clovesgarlic
  • 4 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 3 tablespoonsunsalted butter
  • 1 cupheavy cream
  • 1lemon
  • ¾ cupparmesan cheese
  • ·black pepper

Prep

  1. 01

    Mince 4 garlic cloves and slice thinly into chips.

  2. 02

    Zest and juice 1 lemon.

  3. 03

    Grate 3/4 cup parmesan cheese.

Method

  1. 01

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 2 minutes before the package time suggests. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.

  2. 02

    While pasta cooks, heat 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crispy garlic chips (from prep steps) and cook until deep golden brown, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer garlic to a paper towel to crisp further. Leave the oil in the pan.

  3. 03

    Add 3 tablespoons butter to the garlic oil and let it melt over medium heat. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, about 2 minutes.

  4. 04

    Add the frozen peas to the cream sauce and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. The peas don't need to thaw beforehand.

  5. 05

    Zest the lemon into the sauce, then juice it (you need about 2 tablespoons juice). Stir well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  6. 06

    Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and continue tossing over medium heat until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta, about 1 minute. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen.

  7. 07

    Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  8. 08

    Divide among bowls. Top with the crispy garlic chips and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately.

Spice Tips

For a subtle heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic oil as it sizzles. A small pinch of nutmeg stirred into the cream adds warmth without overpowering the lemon. If you like fresh herbs, a handful of torn basil or parsley scattered on top brightens the finish.

Make sure to reserve pasta water before draining — the starch helps emulsify the sauce into silky strands. This dish comes together in about 20 minutes once water boils.

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