Imagine a pasta dish that captures the essence of spring in every single bite - creamy, bright, and utterly irresistible. This Ziti with Asparagus, Peas, and Lemon Cream is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious weeknight meal, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and transport your senses to the vibrant, fresh flavors of the season.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse the asparagus and trim the tough ends. Chop the asparagus into 1-inch pieces. If using fresh peas, shell them; if using frozen peas, measure out 1 cup and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Add the lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to heat through, but do not let it boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- When the pasta has about 3 minutes left to cook, add the chopped asparagus and peas to the pot. This will blanch the asparagus and cook the peas while the pasta finishes cooking.
- Once the pasta and vegetables are cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and vegetables in a colander.
- Return the drained pasta and vegetables to the pot. Pour the lemon cream sauce over the pasta and toss gently to combine. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the ziti warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with extra lemon zest or freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Enjoy your Ziti with Asparagus, Peas, and Lemon Cream!
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea! This is your first chance to season the pasta.
- Don't overcook the asparagus and peas. They should remain bright green and have a slight crunch for the best texture.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, clingy sauce and can rescue your dish if it seems too dry.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh if possible - the flavor is incomparably better than pre-grated cheese.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- If you want to add protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would complement this dish beautifully.
- Serve immediately after mixing to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and most luxurious consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 90mg
