20 Minute Pasta With Peas

Name: 20 Minute Pasta With Peas
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 (16 oz) bag frozen peas; 1 pound rigatoni pasta (or any short noodle); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ¼ cup parmesan cheese; Zest and juice of 1 large lemon; ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

by Laney Schwartz on May 25, 2023 (updated Jul 3, 2024) 0 comments

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With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, this 20 Minute Pasta with Peas comes together in no time and packs a flavorful punch! The combination of tender pasta, sweet peas, and tangy lemon creates a perfectly balanced dish that’s perfect for any night of the week!

This dish is a true crowd-pleaser that hits all the right notes. The sweet and tender peas are the perfect complement to the chewy and flavorful pasta. Meanwhile, the bright and tangy notes of lemon and the salty parmesan round out the dish perfectly. This recipe also incorporates fresh basil and garlic. This adds a depth of flavor that will leave you feeling like a gourmet home chef in no time!

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Simply boil some water, cook the peas and pasta and toss them together with the other ingredients in a pan. It’s that easy!

Plus, with a cooking time of only 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.

When testing this recipe at home, I tried blanching the peas as well as not, and found blanching them resulted in a much better texture. It’s worth the extra 2 minutes!

This pasta with peas recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the rigatoni pasta for any other type of short noodle you enjoy. You can also use fresh peas instead of frozen if they’re in season, or add in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach.

The recipe also allows for customization in terms of seasoning and spiciness. This makes it a great option for those who like to play around with different flavors. All in all, this pasta with peas recipe is a quick and delicious option for any night of the week when you need something flavorful, easy to make, and satisfying!

If you enjoy this pasta dish, be sure to try out my Burst Tomato Pasta, Fresh Tomato Garlic Pasta, or 20 Minute Lemon Broccoli Pasta! They too are quick, easy and packed with fresh flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pasta with peas is the perfect combination of comforting and refreshing, with a creamy and rich sauce that’s lightened up by the fresh taste of lemon and basil.
With its short list of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is a great option for anyone looking to make a quick, satisfying meal without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will impress your loved ones with its bold and delicious flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Thanks to the versatility of this recipe, you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

bowls of ingredients like peas, pasta, parmesan cheese and onion

Frozen Peas – The sweet and tender peas add a pop of color and flavor to the dish, providing a refreshing element to balance out the richness of the sauce.
Rigatoni Pasta – The short and tubular shape of rigatoni pasta makes it the perfect choice for this recipe, as it allows the sauce to cling to the noodles and ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Olive Oil – Serves as a base for the sauce, providing a silky texture that’s both light and satisfying.
Unsalted Butter – Adds a touch of richness and creaminess to the dish, elevating the flavor profile.
Onion and Garlic – Provide a savory and aromatic base for the dish.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients in the recipe, balancing the sweetness of the peas and the tanginess of the lemon with a subtle touch of savory seasoning.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish, as well as a creamy texture that makes the sauce velvety and delicious.
Lemon Zest and Juice – Adds a bright and tangy note to the dish, cutting through the sauce’s richness and adding a burst of freshness.
Fresh Basil – Adds a touch of freshness and a pop of color that makes the pasta look and taste even more appealing.

How To Make Pasta With Peas (In 20 Minutes!)

a strainer holding peas over a pot of boiling water with peas — Boil peas for 2-3 minutes

both of cooked pasta — boil your pasta and drain

Cook the peas: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add about one tablespoon of salt. Add the peas and boil gently for about 2 minutes until almost tender. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the peas from the boiling water and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking quickly. Set aside.

Boil the pasta: Add the pasta to the same pot of boiling water and cook according to the package. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the rest and set aside.

skillet with peas and onions — cook the onions and garlic

skillet with pasta, peas, cheese and herbs — add the cooked pasta to the onions and garlic mixture

Cook the garlic and onion: Heat a separate large skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until hot. Add the olive oil, butter, onion, and ½ teaspoon salt and cook for 3-5 minutes. Next, add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Finally, add the cooked peas, ½ teaspoon salt, pepper and stir to combine for another minute.

Assemble the pasta dish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the peas and stir. Top with the parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and basil, and stir gently to combine. Use one tablespoon of the reserved pasta water at a time to help thin out the sauce if needed.

Garnish and serve: Serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

When cooking the peas,remove them from the boiling water as soon as they’re almost tender.Rrinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help to preserve their bright green color and sweet flavor.
To prevent the pasta from sticking together, make sure to stir it frequently while it’s cooking. Reserve a cup of pasta water to help loosen the sauce if needed.
When thickening the sauce, add the pasta water one tablespoon at a time to prevent it from becoming too watery.

Variations

For a more indulgent version of this recipe, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraiche for a tangy and creamy finish.
Add some red pepper flakes or minced chili peppers to the pan along with the garlic for a spicy kick. Swap out the parmesan cheese for a spicy grated cheese like pepper jack or habanero cheddar.
Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, sautéed tofu or tempeh.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of reserved pasta water or some olive oil to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.

Freezing: This pasta recipe is not recommended for freezing. The texture of the pasta and peas may become mushy or grainy upon thawing.

FAQ

Can I use fresh peas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh peas for this recipe. Blanch the shelled peas in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until tender, then follow the same cooking instructions listed above.

How can I make this dish gluten free?

To make this dish gluten free, simply substitute regular pasta with a gluten-free variety. Make sure to check the labels of all other ingredients for any gluten contaminants. You can also use lentil or chickpea pasta if desired.