Green peas pasta is one of those dishes that instantly brightens up dinner time with its vibrant color and fresh, spring like flavor. If you want to try this recipe, you need to have–pasta, a bag of frozen peas, some fresh basil, and a lemon sitting on the countertop. Within minutes, the sweet pea sauce pureed into a silky, creamy sauce that clung beautifully to every strand of spaghetti. That first bite was such a delightful mix of tangy lemon, aromatic basil, and naturally sweet peas that I immediately knew green pea pasta would become a weeknight staple in my kitchen.
What makes this 15 minute Green peas pasta special is how little time it takes and how big the flavor payoff is–even with simple ingredients. Whether it’s served on its own for a quick lunch or paired with grilled chicken or shrimp for dinner, this green pea pasta is a healthy, satisfying meal that’s perfect any night of the week.
Complete your meal by exploring more delicious dessert on the blog that pair perfectly with Green peas pasta.
Green Peas Pasta: Your Refreshing 15 Minute Dinner
Description
Bright and fresh, Green peas pasta combines tender green peas, aromatic basil, zesty lemon, and garlic into a smooth, flavorful blend. Cream cheese and Parmesan lend a velvety richness, while salt and pepper bring balance and depth. Mixed with your choice of pasta, it offers a delightful contrast of creamy texture and herbal notes. The final dish is a vibrant green creation that’s easy to make and full of bold, comforting flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
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Add the pasta and stir gently to prevent clumping. Cook according to the package instructions.
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Just before draining, reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain and return the pasta to the pot off the heat.
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Meanwhile, prepare Green Peas Pasta sauce:
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the defrosted peas, basil leaves, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
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Add in the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan, blending again until creamy and well incorporated.
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Pour the green sauce over the warm pasta and toss to coat evenly. Use a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
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Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan, a few fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of black pepper if you like.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 490kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 45mg15%
- Sodium 659mg28%
- Potassium 372mg11%
- Total Carbohydrate 67g23%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 17g34%
- Vitamin A 1161 IU
- Vitamin C 22 mg
- Calcium 147 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Can you add green peas to pasta?
Absolutely! Adding green peas to pasta not only boosts the nutrition but also adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Frozen peas work perfectly in this recipe–just defrost them before blending into the sauce.
Peas pair beautifully with creamy elements like cream cheese and Parmesan in this sauce, creating a texture that’s both rich and fresh. They also bring plant‑based protein and fiber to the dish, making this pasta more balanced and wholesome than a standard alfredo or tomato sauce pasta.
Is green peas pasta healthy?
Yes–green peas pasta can be very healthy, especially when made with wholesome ingredients like peas, fresh herbs, and minimal cheese. Peas are a great source of plant protein, fiber, folate, vitamins A and K, and antioxidants. Adding these to pasta boosts the overall nutritional value of your meal. To make it even healthier, you can:
- Use whole grain pasta for added fiber.
- Choose chickpea or lentil pasta for a higher plant based protein content.
- Add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini for more texture and nutrients.
What pasta dish has peas?
Green peas pasta is a modern, creamy twist on the traditional Italian pasta e piselli–literally “pasta with peas”– a classic dish many Italian households enjoy, especially in spring when peas are at their sweetest.
While traditional pasta e piselli often keeps the peas whole and mixes them with short pasta shapes, olive oil, and Parmesan, this green pea pasta blends the peas into a sauce for a silky finish. Both versions celebrate peas with pasta, but this 15‑minute green pea pasta elevates the idea with a sauce resembling a pesto or creamy blend.
Are peas in pasta an Italian thing?
Yes! Peas have long been used in Italian cooking, particularly in comforting dishes like pasta e piselli, which is traditionally made with simple ingredients and cooked quickly for a flavorful, affordable meal.
This 15‑minute green pea pasta takes inspiration from that tradition but adds a creamy touch with cream cheese and Parmesan, along with bright basil and lemon juice–flavors that are a great mix of classic Italian and modern twists.
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