Creamy Lemon Pasta With Peas

Name: Creamy Lemon Pasta With Peas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or your choice); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 cup fresh or frozen peas; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Highlighted under: Home Quick Meals Collection

When I first attempted making Creamy Lemon Pasta with Peas, I wanted something refreshing yet comforting. I love how the bright citrus mingles with the richness of cream, and the peas add a pop of color and sweetness. This dish quickly became a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or when hosting friends. The creamy sauce clings lovingly to each strand of pasta, making every bite feel indulgent yet fresh. I can’t wait to share this simple yet elegant recipe that always impresses.

Created by

Nola Patterson

Last updated on 2026-02-07T20:04:36.595Z

One weekend, I decided to experiment with ingredients I had on hand, which led me to create this Creamy Lemon Pasta with Peas. Combining pasta with fresh lemon juice gives it a vibrant lift, while the cream makes it luxuriously smooth. I found that using a high-quality pasta and fresh ingredients really elevates the dish. You can even use leftover pasta for a quick meal!

As I perfected this recipe, I learned that adding the cheese gradually helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency without it clumping. The sweetness from the peas complements the tangy lemon beautifully, making every forkful delightful. This dish is not just about flavors, but also about the joy of cooking with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Zesty lemon flavor that brightens up your meal
Rich, creamy texture paired with sweet peas
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

300g pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or your choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Make sure you have everything ready before cooking to streamline the process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy lemon pasta.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Sauté Garlic

In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Make the Cream Sauce

Add the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pot. Stir until well combined and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta and peas to the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until reaching desired creaminess.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy lemon pasta with peas!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic for some heat. You can also substitute the peas with asparagus or spinach for variation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this pasta vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and omit the Parmesan.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of water to loosen the sauce.

→ Can I use frozen peas?

Absolutely! Frozen peas can be added directly to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.

→ What can I pair this dish with?

This pasta pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.