Lemon Butter Pasta Peas (Printer View)

Vibrant pasta with peas, lemon-butter sauce, and Parmesan, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.

# 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

# Method Steps:

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, being careful not to brown.
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 lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
05 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta in the sauce.
06 - Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky, adding additional 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 into serving bowls immediately. Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
  • Uses simple, accessible ingredients you likely already have on hand
  • Light yet satisfying, with the perfect balance of fresh and indulgent flavors
  • Vegetarian-friendly and easily customizable to suit your preferences
  • The lemon-butter sauce creates a silky coating that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta
02 -
  • Always reserve more pasta water than you think you'll need—it's your insurance for the perfect sauce
  • Use a zester or fine grater for the lemon zest, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath
  • Toss the pasta in the skillet rather than just stirring to ensure every strand gets coated
  • Serve immediately while the sauce is silky and the pasta is hot—this dish doesn't hold well
  • Taste before serving and adjust with more lemon juice, salt, or Parmesan as needed
Return