Spring Pasta Lemon Cream Peas (Printer View)

Linguine tossed in a creamy lemon sauce with peas and spinach, highlighting spring flavors for easy Italian dining.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz linguine or fettuccine

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas
03 - 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

→ Lemon Cream Sauce

05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - Zest of 1 lemon
09 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

12 - Extra grated Parmesan
13 - Freshly ground black pepper
14 - Lemon zest

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine or fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - While pasta cooks, melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, then incorporate lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
04 - Add green peas to the sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes for fresh peas or 1–2 minutes for frozen peas until just tender.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add drained pasta, chopped baby spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, and chives. Toss thoroughly. Gradually add reserved pasta water until sauce reaches desired consistency.
06 - Season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, lemon zest, and black pepper.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This sauce coats every strand with a fresh citrusy zing, but isn't too heavy—perfect for a midweek treat.
  • The peas bring out a vibrant sweetness that balances the tang, and it's ready in half an hour flat.
02 -
  • Rush the cream or lemon, and the sauce can split—keep it gentle and patient for the best silkiness.
  • Using fresh Parmesan instead of pre-grated stops the sauce from becoming grainy—a difference I learned after one batch went lumpy.
03 -
  • Finish the pasta in the pan with the sauce, never separately, so it soaks up every flavor.
  • A quick grate of fresh lemon zest right before serving lifts the dish beautifully.
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