Spaghetti with Lemon Parmesan Peas

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and satisfying Spaghetti with Lemon Parmesan Peas. This light yet flavorful pasta dish combines tender spaghetti with the natural sweetness of peas, a burst of citrusy brightness from fresh lemon zest and juice, and a creamy, savory finish from melted Parmesan cheese. The silky sauce, enhanced with a touch of olive oil and garlic, beautifully coats each strand of pasta, while a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds an optional but irresistible layer of freshness. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy schedules, offering a zesty twist on classic comfort food. Ideal for vegetarians and full of pantry-friendly ingredients, this dish is a perfect balance of simplicity and gourmet appeal. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with a crisp side salad for a complete dinner that everyone will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic cloves
• 1.5 cups frozen peas
• 1 whole lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 2

Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 5

Add the frozen peas to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through.

Step 6

Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing well to combine.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the mixture.

Step 8

Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and coat the pasta. Add small amounts of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 9

Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and toss everything together.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(832.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1621.4

Total Fat 75.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 88.9mg	0%
Sodium 3020.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 168.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.1g	0%
Total Sugars 18.2g
Protein 69.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1030.4mg	0%
Iron 10.9mg	0%
Potassium 859.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.7%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 41.4%