Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish: Creamy Pea Fresh Herb Fettuccine! This vibrant pasta dish combines the rich flavors of creamy sauce with the freshness of peas and herbs, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen peas and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the peas are heated through and the cream is warmed, about 5 minutes.
- Once the peas and cream are warmed, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender. Blend until creamy, then return to the saucepan.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pea mixture, stirring until it melts and combines well with the cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the fettuccine is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained fettuccine directly to the saucepan with the creamy pea sauce.
- Gently toss the fettuccine in the sauce until well coated. If the sauce needs to be loosened, add a little of the reserved pasta water until the desired creaminess is achieved.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil and parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the creamy pea fresh herb fettuccine immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to salt your pasta water generously. This is your chance to infuse flavor into the pasta itself, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Fresh Herbs: For the best flavor, use fresh basil and parsley. Their vibrant taste will elevate the creamy sauce and add a burst of freshness.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you find the sauce too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water. This will help you achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Blending Options: If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender works just as well. Just be cautious when transferring hot ingredients!
- Garnish for Presentation: Elevate your dish by garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving. It not only looks appealing but adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, making your meal even more satisfying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
