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Easy One-Pan Spring Pasta Recipe with Lemon Butter and Peas for Perfect Weeknight Meals

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A quick and fuss-free one-pan pasta dish featuring lemon butter and peas, perfect for busy weeknights and fresh spring flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen or fresh peas
  • 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ cup (45 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • A handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon; set aside the zest and juice the lemon. (About 5 minutes)
  2. Melt butter in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add the dry pasta and pour in 3 cups of vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring the liquid just covers the pasta. Stir to submerge evenly.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Stir frequently and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes.
  5. Add peas halfway through cooking: frozen peas after 5 minutes of simmering; fresh peas a bit later to avoid overcooking.
  6. Check pasta for doneness after 10-12 minutes; it should be al dente and liquid mostly absorbed.
  7. Off the heat, stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese until melted and silky. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  8. Finish by sprinkling chopped basil or parsley over the pasta.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

If pasta looks dry before fully cooked, add a splash more broth or water. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking but avoid breaking noodles. Use fresh lemon zest and juice added off the heat to preserve brightness. Parmesan cheese should be added off the heat to avoid clumping. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and Parmesan with vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan pasta, lemon butter pasta, spring pasta, peas pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-one-pan-spring-pasta-recipe-with-lemon-butter-and-peas-for-perfect-weeknight-meals/