Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Fresh Pea Puree
A bright, spring-inspired pasta dish featuring a vibrant pea sauce that clings to al dente noodles with a zesty garlic-lime finish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, shelled fresh peas, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup, shelled fresh peas
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup pasta water
- 1/2 cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup shelled fresh peas and cook for 3 minutes until bright green, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Transfer pea mixture to a blender, add 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped basil. Blend until completely smooth, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Step 4: Return the pea puree to the saucepan, stir in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, and heat gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to the saucepan with the pea puree. Toss vigorously for 1 minute over medium heat, adding more pasta water if needed to coat strands evenly. Stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Fresh Pea Puree take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Fresh Pea Puree?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Fresh Pea Puree?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Fresh Pea Puree for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Fresh Pea Puree?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
