Pasta, Sugar Peas, Asparagus And Parmesan
A vibrant and fresh pasta dish that combines tender asparagus and sweet sugar peas, all tossed in a light olive oil and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It's a delightful springtime meal that is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a healthy and quick dinner option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add asparagus to boiling salted water.
- Cook until tender. Transfer to a bowl of cold water to cool.
- Drain the asparagus.
- Add pasta to the same water and boil until tender, but still firm.
- Add peas and boil for 2 minutes.
- Add asparagus and heat through.
- Drain well.
- Return pasta and vegetables to the pot and add olive oil.
- Toss to coat.
- Add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or some fresh herbs like basil or parsley. If you can't find bow tie pasta, any shape will work, but whole wheat or gluten-free options can also be used for a healthier twist. Adjust the amount of Parmesan according to your taste preference, or substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette for a complete meal. For a more filling option, serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also experiment with adding roasted cherry tomatoes or a side of Italian Ice for a refreshing dessert to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta, Sugar Peas, Asparagus And Parmesan contains roughly 351 calories, with 12g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2001mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peas can be used in this recipe. Just add them directly to the boiling pasta for the last two minutes of cooking. They will thaw quickly and retain their sweetness, making them a convenient and time-saving substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This pasta dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to keep the pasta and vegetables separate from the olive oil and cheese until you're ready to serve to maintain freshness.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
To make this pasta dish more substantial, consider adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You could also include roasted vegetables or toss in some pine nuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).