Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that's as vibrant as it is delicious? Meet Pasta with Spicy Pea Sauce—a quick and easy Italian delight that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a bowl of pasta enveloped in a creamy, spicy sauce that’s packed with the goodness of peas and a kick of garlic. Perfect for busy evenings or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try. Dive into the details and discover how to make this flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. This will help flavor the pasta as it cooks.
- Once the water is boiling, add 12 ounces of pasta to the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Next, add 2 cups of frozen peas to the skillet. Stir them into the garlic and oil mixture, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the peas are heated through and tender.
- Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the spicy pea sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
- Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Enjoy your delicious Pasta with Spicy Pea Sauce!
Tips
- Perfectly Salted Water: Always remember to salt your pasta water generously. This is your chance to infuse flavor right into the pasta itself!
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as fusilli or penne, to ensure each bite is full of flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente—firm to the bite. This not only enhances texture but also ensures the pasta holds up when tossed with the sauce.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. You can always add more later if you like it spicy!
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save that starchy pasta cooking water! It’s a secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, savory finish to your dish.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, consider tossing in some fresh basil or parsley just before serving.Enjoy cooking your Pasta with Spicy Pea Sauce, and watch it become a staple in your recipe repertoire!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
