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Spring-Inspired Pea and Spinach Pasta

This vibrant pasta dish combines fresh peas and tender spinach to create a bright, spring-like flavor. Quick to prepare, it features al dente pasta tossed with sautéed greens, garlic, lemon zest, and Parmesan, resulting in a silky, colorful plate perfect for a cozy winter evening or a burst of seasonal freshness.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (rigatoni or penne) sturdy shape that holds sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil good quality, extra virgin
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas preferably sweet and bright green
  • 4 cups fresh spinach tender, bright green leaves
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest from half a lemon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, nutty and sharp
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Deep skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Colander
  • Microplane or zester

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat in a deep skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, until it just begins to turn golden.
  3. Add frozen peas directly to the skillet, stirring for 1-2 minutes until heated through and slightly tender. You’ll notice the peas brighten in color and start to pop.
  4. Transfer the drained pasta into the skillet with peas. Pour in about half of the reserved pasta water and stir to loosen the mixture, letting it absorb the flavors for about 1 minute.
  5. Gradually add fresh spinach in batches, stirring until each batch wilts completely, about 1-2 minutes, until the greens are vibrant and glossy.
  6. Squeeze lemon juice over the greens, add lemon zest, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Toss everything gently to combine, allowing the cheese to melt and coat the greens and pasta evenly.
  7. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash more of the remaining pasta water to achieve a silky, cohesive sauce.
  8. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute to allow flavors to meld. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired, and enjoy this fresh, lively pasta.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil before serving. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours and gently reheated with a splash of water to restore its silky texture.