Asparagus Pea Lemon Orecchiette

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Asparagus Pea Lemon Orecchiette to brighten up a meal. Combining the tender crispiness of asparagus and the sweetness of peas with a hint of lemon zest, this pasta dish is perfect for sunny days.

I often find myself craving it during the warmer months when fresh produce is at its peak. It’s light yet satisfying, and the citrusy aroma makes every bite delightful.

Preparing this dish is a breeze and can fit perfectly into a busy schedule. With a quick cooking time of under 20 minutes, it easily becomes a go-to for weeknight dinners when time is tight but you still want something delicious. The orecchiette is a wonderful choice as it holds the veggies and sauce just right, ensuring you get the full flavor in every bite.

What makes this dish stand out is its simplicity paired with fresh ingredients that enhance each other. Adding lemon not only brightens up the flavor profile, but it also makes the dish feel refreshing and vibrant. I’m always excited to share this recipe, believing its mix of easy preparation and mouth-watering taste will make it a favorite in your home just as it is in mine.

Why You Will Love Asparagus Pea Lemon Orecchiette

I adore Asparagus Pea Lemon Orecchiette for its vibrant flavors and delightful textures. The combination of asparagus and peas brings a refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with the chewy texture of orecchiette pasta. The lemon zest ties it all together with a bright, citrusy note that feels like a burst of sunshine.

Preparing this dish is a joy. It’s quick and straightforward. I enjoy how the fresh asparagus turns crisp-tender and the peas become sweet and juicy. The simplicity of the ingredients allows their natural flavors to shine.

Cooking with these vegetables feels healthy and satisfying. I love knowing I’m getting a good dose of vitamins and fiber from the asparagus and peas. It feels like I’m treating both my taste buds and my body.

The aromatic addition of lemon zest and juice transforms the dish, creating a flavor that’s both light and refreshing. A sprinkle of freshly grated pecorino cheese adds a savory depth if you’re looking to enhance the flavor.

The versatility of this dish suits any occasion. Whether I’m serving it as a light lunch or a lively side dish at dinner, it never fails to impress. Plus, it’s great for vegetarians, offering a hearty yet meat-free option.

How To Make Asparagus Pea Lemon Orecchiette

This dish combines the bright flavors of lemon, tender asparagus, sweet peas, and orecchiette pasta. Creating a balanced texture, it offers a fresh taste with every bite.

Ingredients

To create this delightful dish, gather the following:

• 250 grams of orecchiette
• 1/2 pound of asparagus, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 3/4 cup of frozen peas
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• Zest and juice of one lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: scallions and feta for garnish

These ingredients will help achieve the perfect balance of flavors in your dish.

Instruments

You will need several kitchen tools:

• A large pot for boiling orecchiette
• A medium-sized skillet for cooking asparagus and peas
• A sharp knife for chopping asparagus and garlic
• A grater for the lemon zest
• A juicer for extracting lemon juice
• A colander to drain pasta

These tools help ensure smooth preparation and cooking.

Step By Step Instruction

1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the orecchiette and cook until it is al dente. Save 1/3 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Test the oil temperature with a piece of garlic.
3. Add chopped asparagus and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once tender, add peas, and continue cooking until both are heated through.
4. Combine the cooked pasta with the vegetables in the skillet. Stir in the reserved pasta water and unsalted butter.
5. Add lemon zest and juice to the mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with optional scallions and feta if desired.

Ingredient Substitute

When making Asparagus Pea Lemon Orecchiette, it’s good to know your options if you’re missing something.

For oil, both olive oil and extra virgin olive oil work well. Extra virgin olive oil gives a more robust flavor, while regular olive oil offers a milder taste.

If you’re out of fresh peas, frozen peas are a simple replacement. No need to thaw them; they can go straight into the pan.

If you don’t have grana padano, any grated cheese like Parmesan can fill in. They both bring a savory note to the dish.

Fresh parsley can be swapped with dried if needed. Just use a smaller amount as dried herbs are more potent.

For seasoning, use salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust as needed to suit your preference.

Garlic is key for flavor, but if you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder or even minced garlic jars.

With these swaps, the dish can still be delicious and satisfying.

What To Serve With Asparagus Pea Lemon Orecchiette

When I prepare Asparagus Pea Lemon Orecchiette, I think about what will complement its fresh and vibrant flavors. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great choice. It adds a crisp texture and refreshing taste that pairs well with the pasta’s brightness.

For a bit of indulgence, I consider serving creamy burrata cheese on the side. The richness of the burrata provides a wonderful contrast to the zesty lemon and tender asparagus in the dish.

Crusty bread is another favorite of mine to serve alongside this pasta. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce or olive oil and adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.

When choosing a beverage, I go for a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling water with a slice of lemon. These options enhance the freshness of the flavors without overwhelming the dish.

For dessert, a simple fruit salad with berries or citrus fruits works beautifully. It keeps the meal feeling light and refreshing, much like the Asparagus Pea Lemon Orecchiette itself.

How To Store Asparagus Pea Lemon Orecchiette

When I prepare Asparagus Pea Lemon Orecchiette, I want to store it properly to keep it fresh. First, let the pasta cool to room temperature. This will prevent moisture from forming in the container and making it soggy.

I use an airtight container to store the pasta. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents the fridge from drying it out.

Refrigerate the orecchiette and try to consume it within 3-4 days. This ensures that the asparagus and peas stay crisp and the lemon zest remains bright.

If I’m planning to store it longer, freezing is an option. I divide the pasta into smaller portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Before reheating, I might add a splash of pasta water to help restore some moisture.

Is Asparagus Pea Lemon Orecchiette Healthy

When I think about whether Asparagus Pea Lemon Orecchiette is healthy, I look at the ingredients. Asparagus, peas, and lemon are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are high in fiber, which is important for digestion.

Asparagus is rich in vitamins like A, C, E, and K, as well as folate. It’s also a good source of antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation.

Peas are a great protein source and contain important vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins and iron. They help support energy levels and immune function.

The addition of lemon zest and juice adds vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps absorb iron from the peas.

Orecchiette, the pasta used in this dish, provides carbohydrates, which are an essential energy source. You can choose whole wheat versions for added fiber.

Using olive oil for cooking not only adds flavor but also brings healthy fats into the meal. These fats are good for heart health.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key nutrients:

This dish can be a healthy choice when balanced with portion control and other meals throughout the day.

Nutrition Fact In List Form

When cooking Orecchiette with Asparagus, Peas, and Lemon, I like to keep track of its nutritional values.

• Calories: A serving of this dish contains about 350-400 calories. The actual amount depends on the serving size and specific ingredients used.
• Protein: The combination of asparagus and peas can provide approximately 15 grams of protein per serving.
• Carbohydrates: This pasta dish offers around 50-55 grams of carbohydrates. Most of this comes from the orecchiette.
• Fiber: Both asparagus and peas are high in fiber, offering about 10-12 grams per serving. This helps with digestion.
• Fats: Using olive oil for cooking adds healthy fats, totaling about 10-15 grams per serving.
• Vitamins: This dish is rich in vitamin C from the lemon and vitamin K from asparagus.
• Minerals: It also offers a good amount of iron, especially from peas, and calcium if cheese like Pecorino or Feta is included.
• Sodium: Depending on the salt and cheese added, sodium content can be around 600-800 mg per serving.