Spaghetti with Peas and Pecorino Cheese

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Spaghetti with Peas and Pecorino Cheese

Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, adorned with sweet green peas and a luxurious blanket of sharp Pecorino cheese. In just 20 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a culinary adventure that proves gourmet cooking can be effortless, quick, and absolutely mouthwatering!

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 12 oz spaghetti
  2. 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
  3. 1/2 cup Pecorino cheese, grated
  4. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
  4. Add the peas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using frozen peas, they will heat quickly; fresh peas may take slightly longer.
  5. Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with the peas. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light, silky sauce.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Pecorino cheese over the pasta. Toss again to ensure even distribution of cheese.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The Pecorino is quite salty, so add salt sparingly.
  8. Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with additional grated Pecorino and chopped fresh parsley.
  9. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese and create a creamy texture.

Tips

  1. Always reserve pasta water - its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
  2. Use freshly grated Pecorino for the most intense flavor; pre-grated cheese lacks the same punch.
  3. Be gentle when sautéing garlic to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
  4. For extra creaminess, add a small knob of butter when tossing the pasta.
  5. Choose high-quality olive oil, as it significantly impacts the final dish's flavor.
  6. If using frozen peas, don't thaw them first - add them directly to the skillet for the best texture.
  7. Serve immediately to enjoy the cheese at its melty, creamy best.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 380kcal

Carbohydrates: 55g

Protein: 15g

Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 5g

Cholesterol: 20mg

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