Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (about 225g) of your favorite pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Cook the Peas:
- In the last 2-3 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the frozen peas to the boiling water. This will blanch the peas. Drain the pasta and peas.
- Sauté Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Pasta and Peas:
- Add the cooked pasta and peas to the skillet. Toss to combine, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
- Season and Finish:
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to create a silky sauce.
- Add Parmesan:
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve the pasta with peas immediately.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy your simple and delicious Pasta with Peas!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding cooked chicken, pancetta, or any other ingredients you like. It’s a quick and versatile dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.