Name: Creamy Pea Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz (220 grams) Long or short shaped pasta; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium-sized onion, diced; 16 oz (450 grams) Fresh or frozen peas; 1 ¼ cup (300 ml) Pasta water or vegetable broth; ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; 5 Basil leaves (optional); ¼ cup (60 grams) full-fat cream cheese; ⅓ cup (30 grams) grated parmesan cheese; salt & pepper, to taste

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If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and irresistibly velvety, Creamy Pea Pasta is about to become your go-to weeknight dinner. Imagine tender pasta wrapped in a silky, emerald-green sauce, bursting with the sweetness of peas and just the right touch of parmesan richness. Every bite delivers comfort and a shot of green goodness, perfect for a quick meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Let’s get to the heart of this delicious Italian-inspired comfort food!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Pea Pasta is just how approachable the ingredient list is. Every component has a unique role, from a punch of brightness or creaminess to that quintessential pasta comfort. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Pasta: Choose your favorite long or short shape; it’s the canvas for all that vibrant pea sauce.
Olive oil: Provides a silky base and a subtle fruity flavor to sauté the onions to perfection.
Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness to balance the peas’ earthy freshness.
Fresh or frozen peas: The star of our dish—choose the sweetest peas you can get for maximum flavor and color.
Pasta water or vegetable broth: Delivers starch to bind the sauce or added flavor for an extra savory kick.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta and the creamy pea sauce—don’t be shy here.
Basil leaves (optional): Toss these in for an herbal, fragrant lift.
Full-fat cream cheese: Brings that signature creamy texture and richness to the sauce.
Grated parmesan cheese: The final cheesy flourish—nutty and sharp, it ties everything together.
Salt & pepper, to taste: Adjust right before serving for perfect flavor balance.

How to Make Creamy Pea Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions until just al dente. About five minutes into cooking, scoop out 1 ¾ cups of that magic pasta water—trust me, you’ll want it for the sauce! When the pasta’s done, drain it and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

While your pasta is bubbling away, heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté gently, stirring often. You’re looking for soft, translucent onions that will give your creamy pea pasta its delicate, sweet undertone. This should take about 4–5 minutes—don’t rush it!

Step 3: Cook the Peas

Once the onion is perfectly soft, toss in all the peas along with 1 ¼ cups of your reserved pasta water (or vegetable broth) and a good pinch of salt. Cook the peas until they’re just tender but still a vibrant, lively green—about 4–5 minutes is perfect. Overcooked peas lose that spring-fresh flavor, so keep an eye out!

Step 4: Blend into Creamy Pea Bliss

Scoop out about 1 cup of cooked peas and set them aside (these will add bursts of texture later). Now get out your stick blender and whizz the rest of the peas and onions right in the pot, along with a handful of basil if using. Puree until incredibly smooth and bright green—this is where your Creamy Pea Pasta sauce transforms into something magical!

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

While the pea puree is still hot, stir in the cream cheese and grated parmesan. Watch as the mixture becomes unbelievably creamy and glossy; this mix is the soul of your creamy pea pasta. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste—this is your chance to get the flavors just right.

Step 6: Toss Pasta and Finish

Add the drained pasta directly into your pan of creamy pea sauce. Gently toss everything together, adding splashes of the remaining pasta water if needed to loosen things up. Fold in the reserved whole peas for texture, then serve immediately, topped with more parmesan and cracked black pepper.

How to Serve Creamy Pea Pasta

Garnishes

A final shower of freshly grated parmesan and a twist of black pepper makes each bowl look and taste restaurant-worthy. For a burst of color and aroma, scatter torn basil or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top—your creamy pea pasta will absolutely shine.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp, lemony green salad or a chunk of rustic Italian bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy green sauce. If you want to make it even more special, try serving your creamy pea pasta alongside roasted vegetables or a plate of antipasti.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or just want to delight your family, twirl the pasta into individual nests with tongs for an elegant touch. Or, for a casual but fun vibe, serve your creamy pea pasta in big, shareable bowls with a pile of fresh pea shoots or microgreens right on top. Either way, vibrant color practically bursts off the plate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra creamy pea pasta (lucky you!), transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, but that just means it will reheat like a dream the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, creamy pea pasta can be frozen—just note the texture may change slightly after thawing. Cool completely before freezing in individual portions; it will stay tasty for up to two months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring in a splash of milk or water to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Taste and add an extra sprinkle of parmesan or basil before serving for that fresh-cooked flavor.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! This creamy pea pasta works beautifully with most gluten-free pasta varieties—just keep an eye on the cooking time and use the starchy pasta cooking water as usual for best sauce texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can swap the cream cheese for a vegan alternative and choose nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. Make sure your pasta is vegan too, and your creamy pea pasta will still be just as luscious and satisfying.

Can I use only frozen peas?

No problem at all! Frozen peas are often even sweeter than fresh and make Creamy Pea Pasta wonderfully convenient and affordable year-round. Just use them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.

What other herbs pair well with creamy pea pasta?

Besides basil, try adding fresh mint for a classic springtime pairing, or a bit of lemon zest for extra brightness. Chives also offer a mild, oniony lift that’s really tasty with the creamy sauce.

Could I add protein for a heartier meal?

Definitely—Creamy Pea Pasta is a fantastic base for grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu. Just add your favorite protein on top or toss it right into the sauce for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pea Pasta is living proof that a few humble ingredients can come together into something truly special. Whether you serve it for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress company, it’s a dish that’s sure to deliver smiles (and requests for seconds). Don’t wait—give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with the bright, fresh flavors of spring any time of year!