Quick Pasta with Peas

• servings: 8 servings
• active time: 5 minutes
• total time: 13 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound pasta (I prefer small shapes here but any type works)

2 cups frozen petite peas

2 tablespoons butter

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half, optional)

salt, pepper, freshly grated lemon zest, minced fresh basil (optional as desired)

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to the package directions. (I prefer using small shaped pasta here, such as small shells, rings, ditalini, or orrechiette since they are easiest to eat with the peas.)

Add the peas to a colander set in the sink.

When the pasta is cooked to al dente, drain in the colander right over the peas.

Return the pasta and the peas to the pot. Stir in the butter, Parmesan, and cream, if using.

Serve warm with any optional toppings as desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 278 kcal
• Total Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Sodium: 82 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
• Dietary Fiber: 4 g
• Total Sugars: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g