Pasta with Peas and Lemon

Pasta with Peas and Lemon Recipe - Italian Delight

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2-3

Introduction

Pasta with peas and lemon is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the freshness of peas with the zesty tang of lemon. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a light lunch.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes. The combination of peas and lemon adds a refreshing and bright flavor to the dish, making it a popular choice for those looking for a light and healthy meal.

Ingredients

For 2 or 3 people:
1 lb (454 g) short pasta, such as mezzi rigatoni, rotini or farfalle
1 bag frozen baby peas
zest of 1 lemon
juice of 0.5 lemon
parmesan or pecorino romano cheese (or any hard aged Italian cheese)
butter
olive oil
salt
pepper
To make this for 1, simply use 0.5 a box of pasta, 0.5 the bag of peas, omit the lemon juice (or add just a squirt) and go easy on everything else.

How to prepare

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a small handful of salt. It is important to properly season the pasta water.
Meanwhile, roll the lemon between your hand and the counter to release the juice. Then, zest the lemon using a grater.
Add the pasta to the boiling water.
When the pasta is about 6 minutes away from being done, add the peas.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it along with the peas and return them to the pot.
Add approximately 2 tbsp of butter, a drizzle of olive oil, and the lemon zest to the pot.
Stir vigorously to help the butter melt and coat the pasta and peas.
Season with a good pinch of salt (you can adjust the amount later), about 10 grinds of pepper, and grate in as much cheese as desired. Aim for at least a handful of cheese.
Continue stirring vigorously to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed and doesn't clump together.
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve and enjoy!

Variations

You can enhance the dish by adding broccoli, pine nuts, or other garnishes for extra flavor.
Add cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Substitute the peas with asparagus or spinach for a different flavor profile.
Use different types of pasta such as penne or spaghetti.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to properly season the pasta water with salt before adding the pasta.

- Rolling the lemon before zesting it helps release the juices and makes it easier to zest.

- Stirring vigorously after adding the butter, olive oil, and cheese helps ensure that the pasta is evenly coated.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a main course with a side salad or as a side dish to accompany grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Properly season the pasta water with salt.

- Stir vigorously after adding the butter, olive oil, and cheese to ensure even coating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

- Substitute the butter with margarine for a dairy-free option.

- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh parsley or additional lemon zest for a pop of color and added freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of this dish contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

The main source of carbohydrates in this dish comes from the pasta and peas. One serving of this dish contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the butter, olive oil, and cheese. One serving of this dish contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

The main source of protein in this dish comes from the cheese. One serving of this dish contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the lemon zest and peas. It also contains calcium and vitamin A from the cheese.

Alergens

This dish contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (pasta), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Pasta with peas and lemon is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick and light meal. With its bright flavors and simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her coastal Italian village. I had always admired Maria's cooking skills, and she had invited me over for a traditional Italian meal.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces, Maria began to prepare a simple yet delicious pasta dish. I watched in awe as she effortlessly tossed together pasta with peas and lemon, creating a dish that was both comforting and refreshing.

I asked Maria where she had learned to make such a unique recipe, and she smiled and told me that it had been passed down through generations in her family. She explained that the combination of sweet peas, zesty lemon, and creamy pasta was a staple in her household, especially during the spring and summer months when fresh produce was abundant.

I was captivated by the flavors and textures of the dish, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. Maria graciously shared her recipe with me, and I took diligent notes as she guided me through each step of the cooking process.

Back home in my own kitchen, I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work recreating Maria's pasta with peas and lemon. I boiled the pasta until it was al dente, then sautéed sweet peas in olive oil until they were tender and vibrant green. I added a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the flavors, then tossed everything together with a splash of cream and a handful of grated Parmesan cheese.

As I took my first bite of the finished dish, I was transported back to Maria's kitchen, surrounded by the sights and sounds of coastal Italy. The pasta was light and flavorful, the peas added a subtle sweetness, and the lemon added a delightful tang that made my taste buds sing.

I knew that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a favorite in my own household, and I made a mental note to pass it down to future generations just as Maria had done with me.

Over the years, I have made Maria's pasta with peas and lemon countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its delicious simplicity and unique flavor profile.

Each time I make this dish, I am reminded of the special moment when Maria first shared her recipe with me, and I am grateful for the culinary journey that it has taken me on. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am constantly seeking out new recipes and techniques to add to my repertoire.

But Maria's pasta with peas and lemon will always hold a special place in my heart, as it is a dish that not only tastes delicious but also tells a story of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. And for that, I will always be grateful.