Discover the joy of making this simple yet delightful Summer Pasta with Peas and Parmesan. This light dish featuring rigatoni pasta, fresh summer peas, and parmesan cheese comes together effortlessly, making it a perfect choice for a summer dinner.

As the warm weather approaches, keeping dinners light and quick is essential. The Summer Pasta with Peas and Parmesan is a fantastic dish that embodies the spirit of summer with its fresh flavors and creamy texture. This dish is reminiscent of the equally delightful Creamy Pappardelle with Asparagus, promising satisfaction without the fuss.

What’s This Pasta Dish Like

• Difficulty: This dish is super easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes!
• Taste: A light and refreshing plate that packs a creamy texture while maintaining a modest amount of sauce.
• Serving: This recipe yields four generous servings, and you can easily adjust the quantity in the recipe card at the end.

Ingredients

• Pasta: This recipe features rigatoni pasta for its delightful shape.
• Onion: A small white onion adds sweetness to the dish.
• Oil: Use high-quality olive oil for depth of flavor.
• Garlic: A touch of minced garlic to enhance the sauce.
• Cream: Heavy cream is essential for creating a luscious sauce.
• Pasta Water: Save some cooking water; it’s perfect for thickening the sauce.
• Peas: Frozen peas work beautifully in this recipe, adding sweetness.
• Butter: A touch of butter enriches the sauce at the end.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish.
• Seasonings: Just a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
• Cheese: Finely grated parmesan cheese to finish off the dish.

Note: The complete recipe and instructions can be found at the end in the recipe card.

Instructions

• Cook Pasta: Prepare the rigatoni according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain it while reserving one cup of the pasta water. Set it aside.
• Cook Onions: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and onions. Sauté for about 5 to 8 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and stir, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Make Sauce and Finish Dish: Pour in the heavy cream while whisking. Follow with the reserved pasta water and keep whisking until combined. Allow it to simmer gently, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Add in the pasta, peas, butter, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best flavor!

Recipe Notes

• Remember to Reserve Pasta Water: This is a vital step for sauce consistency, as the starch from the water helps to thicken the sauce.
• Multi-task: Since this dish comes together quickly, start cooking the pasta at the same time you prepare the sauce to save time.

Substitutions and Additions

• Frozen Peas: These are excellent in this recipe. You could use fresh peas too, but ensure they are steamed for about 3-5 minutes longer.
• Rigatoni Pasta: While rigatoni works wonderfully, you can swap it with pasta spirals, penne, spaghetti, or even tagliatelle.
• Heavy Cream: For the sauce, heavy cream is ideal, but half-and-half or light cream can also be used as alternatives.
• Herbs: I used fresh parsley, but fresh mint or basil could work brilliantly as well.
• Additions: Feel free to include cooked cubed chicken, tuna, salmon, or Italian sausage to make it a heartier meal.

What to Serve With This Summer Pasta Dish

To enhance your summer dining experience, consider pairing this pasta with a refreshing Bacon and Tomato Salad and some enticing Caprese Salad Sticks. If you’re looking to make it a side dish, serve it alongside Crispy Fried Chicken Cutlets.

Frequently Asked Questions