Garlic Lemon Pasta with Peas

Name: Garlic Lemon Pasta with Peas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup fresh or frozen peas; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Home Recipes

I love making Garlic Lemon Pasta with Peas because it's quick, fresh, and packed with flavor. This recipe has become a go-to for weeknight dinners or when I'm craving something light yet satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip up a dish that transports me straight to a sun-soaked Italian kitchen. The zesty lemon combined with the sweetness of peas creates a delightful harmony in every bite, making it a perfect meal to enjoy with family or friends.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-05T18:14:27.790Z

One evening, I decided to experiment with my pantry staples and came up with this Garlic Lemon Pasta with Peas. The combination of sautéed garlic and bright lemon juice makes for a vibrant sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. I was pleased to see how quickly the dish came together, making it perfect for those busy nights when I want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

What truly elevates this recipe is the addition of fresh peas. They add a subtle sweetness and a pop of color that enhances both the flavor and presentation. I recommend saving some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency, allowing it to cling perfectly to every noodle!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and zesty flavor that's incredibly refreshing
Quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights
Nutritious peas add sweetness and color

Elevating the Flavor

The secret to truly enhancing the flavors in Garlic Lemon Pasta lies in the quality of your ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality olive oil can significantly elevate the dish, imparting a rich, fruity note that pairs beautifully with the zesty lemon and sweet peas. If you only have regular olive oil, I recommend using it sparingly and adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving to boost the fresh taste.

Don't underestimate the impact of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Not only does it add a savory depth to the meal, but its creamy texture complements the lightness of the pasta and peas perfectly. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using nutritional yeast, which delivers a similar umami flavor without the dairy.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

When cooking the spaghetti, be sure to salt the water generously; this is your chance to infuse flavor into the pasta itself. I find that using about 1-2 tablespoons of salt per quart of water works well. Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the skillet with the sauce.

Also, be mindful when sautéing the garlic. It should become fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to let it turn brown; burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your dish. If this happens, it’s best to start again to ensure the best flavor outcome.

Serving and Storing

This Garlic Lemon Pasta is best served immediately while it's warm and the flavors are at their peak. For an added touch, serve it in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to enhance the dish's vibrant colors. A squeeze of additional lemon juice right before eating can also brighten up the flavors even more.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out. Simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Note that over time, the peas may lose their vibrant color but will still taste delicious.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious Garlic Lemon Pasta with Peas:

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Garlic Lemon Pasta with Peas:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Add Peas and Lemon

Stir in the peas, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Enjoy this delicious dish warm and share it with your loved ones!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider incorporating red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or tossing in some spinach for extra greens.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to incorporate other vegetables into this pasta dish! Asparagus, broccoli, or spinach can work wonderfully with the garlic and lemon, adding different textures and flavors. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for any firmer vegetables, like asparagus, which may need a few minutes longer than peas.

For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a protein boost. However, keep in mind that if you're adding meat or legumes, you may need to adjust the cooking times and steps to ensure everything is evenly cooked and seasoned.

Dietary Swaps

If you're looking for a gluten-free version of this recipe, simply swap in gluten-free spaghetti, which is widely available. Make sure to check the cooking instructions on the package, as they may differ slightly from traditional pasta.

For a lighter version of the dish, you can substitute half of the spaghetti with spiralized zucchini or other vegetable noodles. This will decrease the overall carbohydrate content and add extra nutrients while maintaining the refreshing flavor of garlic and lemon.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your pasta dish is too dry, don't hesitate to add more reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Remember, the starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the spaghetti.

On the other hand, if your sauce turns out too runny, allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. This evaporation process will concentrate the flavors and thicken the sauce without needing any additional thickeners.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen peas?

Yes, frozen peas work perfectly in this recipe. Just add them during the sautéing step and let them cook until heated through.

→ What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

You can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option or a different cheese like Pecorino Romano for a bolder flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.

→ Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.