If you’re craving a dish that feels both comforting and delightfully fresh, this Creamy Pasta with Peas and Parmesan Recipe is absolutely the one to try. It’s a perfect balance of silken creaminess, tender pasta, and the bright pop of sweet peas, all rounded out by the nutty depth of Parmesan. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a dish to share with friends, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every forkful with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is key, yet you’ll find they’re down-to-earth and easy to source. Each component plays a crucial role, from the luscious cream that binds everything together to the fresh peas bringing vibrant color and a hint of sweetness.
- 8 oz spaghetti or penne: Choose your favorite pasta shape; both hold the sauce beautifully for that creamy embrace.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas: Bright and naturally sweet, peas add a pop of color and freshness.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Infuses the base sauté with fruity richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic and flavorful, garlic sets the savory foundation.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The superstar for achieving that indulgent, creamy sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes that elevate every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Pasta with Peas and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti or penne according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—meaning it should still have a tiny bite to it. This ensures the pasta won’t get mushy once tossed in the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Olive Oil
While the pasta cooks, heat your extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute or until it becomes fragrant. This quick step releases the garlic’s essence without letting it burn, which is important for a delicate but flavorful sauce.
Step 3: Add Peas and Cook Until Tender
Next, stir in your peas. Whether fresh or frozen, they only need around three minutes to become tender and maintain their vibrant green color. This is where the dish starts to come alive, mixing savory garlic with the sweet brightness of peas.
Step 4: Pour in Heavy Cream and Season
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring. The cream will thicken slightly and create that silky texture we all love. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper at this stage, which brings balance and layers of flavor to your sauce.
Step 5: Toss the Pasta in the Creamy Sauce
Now, add your cooked pasta straight into the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure every strand or piece gets coated in that luscious cream sauce with peas folded in nicely. This step ensures every bite is consistently luscious and flavorful.
Step 6: Serve and Top with Parmesan
Plate your creamy pasta and don’t be shy with the grated Parmesan cheese on top. It melts slightly from the warmth and adds a wonderful nutty and salty finish that completes this dish so beautifully. Get ready to enjoy one of the easiest yet most comforting meals around.
How to Serve Creamy Pasta with Peas and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan add freshness and a pop of color that makes this dish look as good as it tastes. A few twists of cracked black pepper on top also enhance the flavors, delivering that perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to brighten the plate. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette is also a great companion to scoop up every last bit of sauce, turning your meal into an irresistibly cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or simply add an extra flair, serve this dish in individual bowls topped with a Parmesan crisp or a lemon wedge for a subtle zing. Alternatively, layering it in a glass jar for a picnic-style presentation transforms this simple recipe into a charming, portable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Pasta with Peas and Parmesan Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce contains cream, it’s best eaten relatively soon after making, but the flavors often deepen after a day, making for a tasty leftover lunch.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftovers, be mindful that the texture of cream-based sauces can change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool the pasta completely, pack in a freezer-safe container, and consume within 1 to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce if it appears too thick. This approach helps maintain the luscious texture without curdling and keeps the peas tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peas work perfectly and are super convenient. Just add them directly to the skillet and cook until tender as instructed.
Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but the texture won’t be as rich and creamy. For best results, stick with heavy cream if possible.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti and penne are both great choices because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well. Feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle too.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon can be excellent additions that complement the creaminess and peas, making the meal more substantial.
How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Keep the heat moderate when simmering the cream and avoid boiling it vigorously. Stir gently and season towards the end to maintain a smooth and stable sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pasta with Peas and Parmesan Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s quick to whip up, uses simple ingredients, and appeals to everyone’s love of comfort food with a fresh twist. I can’t recommend it enough for your next meal—trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Creamy Pasta with Peas and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy pasta with peas is a simple and delicious dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender pasta is coated in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce and bright green peas, then topped with savory Parmesan cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or penne
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Peas: Stir in the peas (fresh or frozen) and sauté for about 3 minutes until bright green and tender.
- Mix in Cream: Pour in heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer while stirring well. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top generously with grated Parmesan cheese before enjoying.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- If frozen peas are used, no need to thaw before adding—they will cook quickly in the skillet.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
