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Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta with Peas and Parmesan

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A quick and easy creamy garlic butter pasta with peas and Parmesan that delivers comforting flavor and a luscious sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Optional: Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts (4 liters) of water. Cook 8 ounces (225g) of pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it melt gently without browning.
  3. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add 1 cup frozen peas directly to the skillet. Stir to coat in garlic butter and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and tender.
  5. Pour in 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream. Stir gently and bring to a low simmer. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water.
  7. Add the pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick.
  8. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon zest if using.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for best flavor and sauté gently to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Freshly grate Parmesan for a creamier sauce. Add lemon zest for brightness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic butter pasta, peas, Parmesan, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, quick pasta

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/creamy-garlic-butter-pasta-with-peas-and-parmesan-easy-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/