15-Minute Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Sweet Peas
A bright, creamy pasta with peas and lemon that comes together while the noodles boil.
Prep: 5 · Cook: 10 · Total: 15 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (356 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
I love the classic lemon-and-Parmesan combo and wanted a version that feels creamy without any heavy sauce step.
Story
This is the kind of recipe that makes me feel like I have my life together, even when I do not. The peas and lemon make it taste bright and fresh, but the Parmesan keeps it comforting. I usually have everything on hand, and it comes together while the pasta cooks, which is a win in my book. If you have a bag of peas in the freezer, you are basically halfway to dinner.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 1/3 cup pasta water (plus more as needed)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions.
- In the last 2 minutes of boiling, add frozen peas to the pasta water.
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and peas.
- Return the pot to low heat. Melt butter, then stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add pasta and peas, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and 1/3 cup pasta water. Toss until glossy and creamy.
- Loosen with a splash more pasta water if needed. Finish with parsley and red pepper flakes if using.
Chef Tips
- Grate Parmesan finely so it melts into the sauce instead of clumping.
- If the sauce looks tight, pasta water is your best friend, add it a tablespoon at a time.
- Swap peas for frozen spinach, just squeeze out extra water after thawing.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp if you want a protein boost, but it is lovely as-is.
Cook's Notes
- **Timing:** Add peas at the end so they stay sweet and green.
- **Sauce trick:** Toss off the heat if your Parmesan seems clumpy, then add a splash more pasta water.
- **Leftovers:** Reheat with a splash of water to bring the sauce back.