Creamy Pasta with Peas and Parmesan
Indulge in the rich and velvety textures of this Creamy Pasta with Peas and Parmesan, a delightful dish inspired by classic Italian cooking. Ready in just 10 minutes, this creamy sauce made from heavy cream and whole milk envelops the perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious coating that's accented by the sweetness of fresh peas. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive offering for guests, this recipe is a perfect balance of comfort and elegance. For those who prefer a lighter version, simply omit the peas for a traditional Alfredo experience. Embrace the lusciousness and simplicity of this dish, making it a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
heavy cream
1 1/2 cups (none)
whole milk
1/2 cup (none)
kosher salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (none)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
grated parmesan cheese
1 cup (none)
frozen peas
1 (10 ounce) box (thawed)
cooked pasta
1 lb (prepared according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, kosher salt, and black pepper over medium-low heat. Stir gently as the mixture warms up.
2
Once the cream mixture is hot (but not boiling), gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while continuously stirring. This will allow the cheese to melt smoothly into the sauce.
3
Add the thawed peas to the saucepan, stirring them into the mixture.
4
Introduce the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce and the cheese has fully melted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5
Once heated through, remove the saucepan from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pasta with Peas and Parmesan?
It is a rich and velvety Italian-inspired dish featuring a luscious cream sauce, sweet peas, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How long does this recipe take to prepare?
The dish is very quick and can be ready in just 10 minutes.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat.
What kind of cream should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream to ensure a rich texture.
Can I use whole milk?
Yes, the recipe specifically requires 1/2 cup of whole milk to be mixed with the heavy cream.
How much Parmesan cheese do I need?
You will need 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for the sauce.
Do the frozen peas need to be thawed?
Yes, the 10-ounce box of frozen peas should be thawed before being added to the sauce.
How much pasta does this recipe serve?
The recipe uses 1 lb of cooked pasta, which typically serves 4 to 6 people.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt.
Is there any black pepper in this dish?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for seasoning.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
Combine the heavy cream, whole milk, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
How do I ensure the cheese melts smoothly?
Gradually add the grated Parmesan while continuously stirring into the hot (but not boiling) cream mixture.
When do I add the peas to the recipe?
The thawed peas are added to the saucepan after the cheese has been melted into the cream mixture.
How long do I cook the pasta in the sauce?
Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes until well coated and heated through.
Can I make this recipe without peas?
Yes, you can omit the peas for a traditional Alfredo experience.
What is the recommended heat setting for the sauce?
The sauce should be prepared over medium-low heat.
Should I boil the cream mixture?
No, you should warm the mixture until it is hot but not boiling before adding the cheese.
How should I serve this pasta?
Serve it hot and consider garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is designed as a quick weeknight dinner because it is ready in 10 minutes.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, though fresh peas may require a minute of blanching if they are not very tender.
What makes the sauce velvety?
The combination of heavy cream, whole milk, and melted Parmesan creates the velvety texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in total: heavy cream, whole milk, kosher salt, black pepper, Parmesan, peas, and pasta.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for beginners.
Can I add protein to this dish?
While not in the original recipe, you could easily add cooked chicken or shrimp to this pasta.
What if the sauce is too thick?
You can add a small splash of extra milk or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Should I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan is usually better for melting, but the recipe works with any grated Parmesan.
What kind of pasta works best?
While the recipe specifies 'cooked pasta', shapes like fettuccine, penne, or bowties work very well.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is a mild, creamy dish, though the black pepper provides a very subtle warmth.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge; reheat with a splash of milk to restore the creaminess.
What is the main flavor of this dish?
The primary flavors are rich cream and salty Parmesan, accented by the sweetness of the peas.