Lemon Butter Pasta Peas Parmesan (Printer-friendly)

A spring-inspired pasta with tender peas, lemon butter sauce, and Parmesan cheese for bright flavors.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander.
02 - While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
03 - Stir in 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 lemon zest and juice to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the butter and peas.
05 - Add drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to coat pasta evenly in the sauce.
06 - Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss until cheese melts and sauce becomes silky, adding additional pasta water as needed to achieve creamy consistency.
07 - Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
08 - Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick & Easy: From start to finish in just 25 minutes with minimal prep work
  • Fresh & Vibrant: Bright lemon and sweet peas create a spring-inspired flavor profile
  • One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in a single skillet for easy cleanup
  • Vegetarian-Friendly: A satisfying meatless meal that even carnivores will love
  • Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite proteins, greens, or pasta shapes
02 -
  • Reserve More Pasta Water: Always reserve more than you think you'll need—you can't add it back once the pasta is drained
  • Don't Overcook the Garlic: Keep the heat at medium and watch carefully to prevent burning, which creates bitterness
  • Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts far better than pre-grated and delivers superior flavor
  • Timing is Everything: Have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking so the pasta doesn't sit and get sticky
  • Taste and Adjust: Every lemon varies in acidity—taste before serving and adjust with more lemon juice, salt, or cheese as needed
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