Last updated on April 29th, 2024 at 07:28 pm
My Asparagus and Pea Lemon Orecchiette is an absolute must make before the summer ends. This dish can be whipped up in under 20 minutes and is so light and refreshing and packed with flavour. It’s also a great dish that can be used as a side if you need something a bit more filling along side grilled fish or chicken.
Orecchiette (pronounced o-rek-kyet-teh) were named for their shape, which looks like little ears. This pasta is made of semolina, water and salt. The shape of this pasta is perfect for recipes that contain veggies like asparagus and peas because the pasta holds onto the ingredients, making the perfect bite every single time!
A Few Tips:
Should I use frozen or fresh peas?
If you have fresh peas on hand you can definitely use those in this recipe however, I almost never have fresh peas on hand so I always use frozen peas in this recipe. I typically take the peas out of the freezer 15 minutes before I’m going to start preparing this dish just so that they come down to room temperature and cook a bit faster. Peas are typically picked when they are most fresh and then they freeze them, so anytime you use frozen peas they typically will have a really good flavour.
Can I use a different pasta in this recipe?
You absolutely can use any pasta that you like in this recipe. I love using orecchiette because they are shaped like little ears which means they have a pocket/hole to them, so the onion, asparagus, and peas fall perfectly into it making the perfect bite.
What time of parmesan should I use?
I typically buy parmigiano reggiano and I like to grate it myself because I find the flavour to be better doing it at home rather than buying it pre-graded.
I would recommend adding a heavy amount of fresh cracked pepper at the very end to this recipe. I love adding pepper to pasta dishes that use olive oil and butter as the base/sauce. It adds such a nice spice and texture to the pasta and I think it really ties this entire dish together- so if you are a pepper person, don’t skip out on this step!
Asaparagus & Pea Lemon Orecchiette
Ingredients
- 250 grams orecchiette
- 1/3 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup parmesan grated
- 4 garlic cloves chopped
- 1/2 lb asparagus chopped, about 2 cups
- 1/2 yellow onion chopped
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- handful fresh basil optional
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente.
- In the meantime, begin prepping your asparagus, onion, garlic and lemon zest.
- To a large pan, add your olive oil and butter and cook your asparagus and onion on medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- Add your peas, garlic, spices, zest and lemon juice and cook for another 2-3 minutes; just until peas begin to soften and are cooked.
- Reduce heat to low and add your cooked pasta, some pasta water and half of the parmesan. Mix well and add the remainder of cheese and more pasta water if you need to get your perfect consistency.
- Top with fresh lemon zest, more cheese, basil and lots of fresh cracked pepper.
- Enjoy right away!
Rhonda Espinoza says
This dish looks delicious and I am anxious to make it. I have one question tho, in the video, what is that square shaped thing in the pot with everything? What’s its purpose? Thank you very much!!!
montgomery.samantha1 says
Good question! I added a parmesan rind! If I have the rinds left and I am making pasta I like to throw them in for extra flavour. Not necessary, but def adds some flavour. Hope this helps answer your question!
Danielle says
Another winner…simple, delicious and an easy clean up for a weekday meal. Topped mine with some sautéed shrimp and another Sammy meal becomes a classic in our house.
montgomery.samantha1 says
Hi Danielle. Ok well first of all bless your dang heart! And secondly, thank you for this very sweet review. I am so glad you enjoyed it! xo
Rebecca says
2nd Sammy meal this week from the 20 minute dinners. So quick and easy and again budget friendly. Delicious 😋
montgomery.samantha1 says
HIIII Rebecca, well bless your dang heart! Thanks so much for the review and for being here! xo
Lisa says
Delicious!
5 star
Loaded with flavour. As good as a high end restarant.