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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!
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!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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!!!
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!
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.
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
2nd Sammy meal this week from the 20 minute dinners. So quick and easy and again budget friendly. Delicious 😋
HIIII Rebecca, well bless your dang heart! Thanks so much for the review and for being here! xo
Delicious!
5 star
Loaded with flavour. As good as a high end restarant.