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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup Pecorino cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Pecorino cheese over the pasta. Toss again to ensure even distribution of cheese.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The Pecorino is quite salty, so add salt sparingly.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with additional grated Pecorino and chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese and create a creamy texture.
Tips
- Always reserve pasta water - its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Use freshly grated Pecorino for the most intense flavor; pre-grated cheese lacks the same punch.
- Be gentle when sautéing garlic to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- For extra creaminess, add a small knob of butter when tossing the pasta.
- Choose high-quality olive oil, as it significantly impacts the final dish's flavor.
- If using frozen peas, don't thaw them first - add them directly to the skillet for the best texture.
- 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