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Creamy Frozen Pea Pasta

This vibrant pasta dish uses blended frozen peas to create a bright, spring-like sauce that’s both quick and satisfying. The peas are cooked briefly with garlic, then blended with cream and lemon for a silky, flavorful coating that clings to al dente pasta, resulting in a fresh, comforting meal with a pop of color and sweetness.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Global
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni) or your preferred tubular shape
  • 1.5 cups frozen peas bright green and sweet
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • to taste salt and pepper adjust to preference
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for finishing
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Blender or immersion stick
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, until it becomes golden and aromatic.
  3. Add the frozen peas directly to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until they turn bright green and smell sweet. They should start to crackle slightly as they cook.
  4. Transfer the cooked peas and garlic to your blender. Pour in the heavy cream, add lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Blend until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and vibrant green, about 20 seconds. If it’s too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  5. Pour the blended sauce back into the skillet and warm it gently over low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should shimmer and smell fresh and bright. If it looks oily or separates, stir in a little more pasta water or cream to restore creaminess.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly, letting the pasta soak up the vibrant sauce for 1-2 minutes until hot and glossy.
  7. Check the seasoning, adjusting with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed. Serve immediately, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for extra shine and flavor.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and skip the Parmesan. Use gluten-free pasta if needed. The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated, but best enjoyed fresh for maximum brightness.