Lemon Butter Pasta Peas (Print version)

Delightful linguine with peas, lemon-butter sauce, and Parmesan for a fresh, flavorful meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz linguine or spaghetti

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - Zest of 1 lemon
05 - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dairy and Fats

07 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving

→ Seasonings

09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus additional for pasta water
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
02 - While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
03 - Stir in the peas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. If using frozen peas, cook until heated through; if using fresh, cook until just tender.
04 - Add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet, stirring to combine and distribute the flavors evenly.
05 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta thoroughly in the sauce.
06 - Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
07 - Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes.
  • Bright lemon flavor balances the richness of butter and Parmesan.
  • Versatile vegetarian dish suitable for any season.
  • Combines fresh and pantry ingredients for convenience.
02 -
  • Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce texture easily.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a creamier melt.
  • Do not overcook the peas to keep their vibrant color and bite.
  • Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish more than bottled juice.
  • Add parsley last to preserve its fresh flavor and color.
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