Pasta with peas and white sauce

Pasta with Peas and White Sauce

One of the most beloved pasta recipes is the one with peas and white sauce, a surprising variant of the classic carbonara sauce. This recipe, easy to make and full of flavor, is perfect for family meals or a dinner with friends. Additionally, it is an excellent way to introduce peas into your daily diet, offering numerous nutritional benefits. Pasta with peas is not only tasty but also nourishing, providing you with energy and essential vitamins.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients you will need:

- 500 g lumaconi pasta (or any other type of pasta you prefer)
- 500 g homemade smoked pork shoulder, cut into strips
- 500 g green peas (preferably frozen)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 green garlic stalks, finely chopped
- 200 g low-fat sour cream
- 200 g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 100 ml olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt and put in the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once ready, drain and reserve a little cooking water (about 100 ml), which will be useful for the sauce.

2. Prepare the meat: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the strips of smoked pork shoulder and sauté lightly until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. This step will add a deep and savory flavor to the dish.

3. Add the vegetables: Once the meat is cooked, add the green peas (if using frozen peas, there is no need to thaw them) along with the green onions and garlic. Sauté everything for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender. This will add freshness and a pleasant contrast of texture.

4. Prepare the white sauce: Lower the heat and add the low-fat sour cream to the skillet, stirring gently to combine the ingredients. Add half of the Parmesan, continuing to stir to achieve a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can gradually add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.

5. Finish the dish: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and mix well to coat it completely with the white sauce. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Make sure the pasta is well incorporated and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

6. Serving: Divide the pasta onto plates and sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan on top. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately, enjoying the savory and creamy combination of pasta with peas.

Practical tips:

- Choosing the pasta: If you can’t find lumaconi, you can use penne or fusilli. These will hold the sauce, giving you each bite full of flavor.
- The meat: Smoked pork shoulder can be replaced with chicken or turkey for a lighter option. You can also opt for vegetarian meat, such as smoked tofu or tempeh.
- Peas: If you prefer, you can use fresh peas instead of frozen. Make sure they are well washed and cleaned before use.
- Vegan option: For a vegan recipe, replace the sour cream with a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat pasta? Yes, whole wheat pasta is an excellent choice for added fiber.
- How can I make the sauce saltier? Add more Parmesan or a little sea salt, but be careful with the amounts to avoid overdoing it.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe is rich in protein due to the pork and sour cream, but also provides essential fiber from the peas. Peas are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium. Parmesan adds a calcium boost, beneficial for bone health.

Ideal pairings:

Pasta with peas pairs perfectly with a dry white wine, which will highlight the delicate flavors of the sauce. You can also serve a simple green salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette to add a fresh and crunchy note to your meal.

This pasta with peas and white sauce is not only a simple recipe but also an opportunity to experiment with different ingredient combinations. So, don't hesitate to put your personal touch on this delicious dish!

 Ingredients: 500 g lumaconi pasta, 500 g homemade smoked pork shoulder, 500 g green peas [frozen], 2 green onions, 2 green garlic, 200 g low-fat sour cream, 200 g parmesan, 100 ml olive oil, salt, pepper, fresh parsley

 Tags:  pasta with peas