There’s a magic that happens when simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and captivating. Imagine twirling tender strands of pasta coated in a velvety, garlicky cream sauce, dotted with bursts of bright, sweet garden peas that add a fresh pop of color and flavor. This creamy garlic pasta with sweet garden peas is more than just a meal-it’s a celebration of harmony in the kitchen, where the robust aroma of garlic meets the gentle sweetness of spring’s freshest peas. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying centerpiece for your next gathering, this recipe invites you to indulge in a luscious, flavorful experience that feels both elegant and effortless.

Indulge in Creamy Garlic Pasta with Sweet Garden Peas

Indulge in creamy garlic pasta with sweet garden peas and discover a symphony of flavors that dance gracefully on your palate. This dish embraces the luxurious silkiness of a perfectly crafted garlic-infused cream sauce, delicately balanced with the fresh sweetness and vibrant pop of garden peas. Rooted in the simplicity of Italian comfort cuisine, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a celebration of texture, color, and taste, making it both approachable for weeknight dinners and impressive for gathering guests.

Prep and Cook Time

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield

• Serves 4 generous portions

Difficulty Level

• Easy – perfect for cooks at any skill level

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) dry fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen garden peas, thawed if frozen
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the creamy garlic sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes – be careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter.
3. Incorporate cream and cheese: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine with garlic butter. Slowly add Parmesan cheese in batches, whisking until the sauce is thickened and silky. Adjust the heat to avoid boiling but keep it warm.
4. Add garden peas: Gently stir in garden peas, cooking for 3-4 minutes until peas are tender and their sweetness melds with the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired creaminess.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to coat each strand evenly with the creamy garlic sauce and peas. Add lemon zest here, if using, for a fresh pop of flavor.
6. Season to taste: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. The cheese contributes saltiness, so adjust carefully.
7. Serve immediately: Plate the pasta generously garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Optionally, shave extra Parmesan on top for a luscious finish.

Chef’s Notes

• Variation: Swap garden peas for blanched asparagus tips or snap peas for a seasonal twist.
• Substitution: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, but expect a thinner consistency.
• Texture tip: For even silkier sauce, finish with a knob of cold butter whisked in at the end.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the sauce base and peas in advance, then toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
• Common issue: If the sauce thickens too much upon standing, thin with reserved pasta water or a splash of warm milk while reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this decadent pasta in shallow wide bowls to let the creamy sauce shine. Garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs and a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a glossy finish. Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and crusty bread to soak up every luscious bite.

For an in-depth dive into similar pasta dishes, check out our Ultimate Garlic Pasta Recipes. Explore further insights into the nutritional benefits of garden peas from this Nutrition UK resource.

Q&A

Q&A: Indulge in Creamy Garlic Pasta with Sweet Garden Peas

Q1: What makes this creamy garlic pasta with sweet garden peas so special?
A1: It’s the perfect marriage of rich, velvety garlic-infused cream sauce with the fresh, natural sweetness of garden peas. The peas add a delightful pop of color and a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky pasta, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Q2: Can I use any type of pasta for this dish?
A2: Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine are popular choices because they hold creamy sauces well, feel free to experiment with penne, farfalle, or even spiral pasta. The key is choosing a pasta with enough nooks to capture that luscious garlic cream.

Q3: How do the garden peas enhance the overall flavor profile?
A3: Garden peas bring a refreshing sweetness and a tender bite that cuts through the richness of the garlic cream sauce. Their natural sugars brighten up the dish, adding a subtle freshness that’s both satisfying and light.

Q4: Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
A4: Definitely! With pantry staples like pasta and garlic plus the convenience of frozen garden peas, you can whip this creamy dish up in about 20-25 minutes. It’s a fuss-free way to enjoy a gourmet feel at home any night of the week.

Q5: Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?
A5: Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free butter or olive oil for cooking. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy note without dairy, making this dish just as indulgent but entirely plant-based.

Q6: What wine pairs well with creamy garlic pasta and garden peas?
A6: A crisp, aromatic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish wonderfully. These wines’ acidity cuts through the creaminess while highlighting the garden peas’ freshness, creating a delightful sip-and-bite experience.

Q7: Can I add protein to this dish?
A7: Of course! Grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy pancetta are fantastic additions that bring extra depth and heartiness. They integrate seamlessly with the garlic cream sauce and sweet peas, elevating the meal without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Q8: Any tips for making the garlic cream sauce extra creamy and flavorful?
A8: Start by gently sautéing minced garlic in a good quality butter until fragrant but not browned, then gradually whisk in cream while keeping the heat low. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg will add complexity and that irresistible creamy texture.

Wrapping Up

As the final forkful of creamy garlic pasta with sweet garden peas melts away, you’re reminded that simple ingredients, when combined with care, can create moments of pure comfort and joy. This dish celebrates the gentle harmony between velvety sauce and bursts of fresh sweetness-a pairing that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight meal or a culinary escape to savor slowly, let this recipe inspire your kitchen adventures and elevate your pasta game. So go ahead, indulge in every creamy, garlicky bite, and let the humble garden pea steal the spotlight in your next savory feast.