Buttery Herb Pasta with Peas and Garlic
Perfect pasta doesn’t need to be complicated, and this Buttery Herb Pasta with Peas and Garlic is delicious proof! The combination of fresh and dried herbs creates layers of flavor, while sweet peas and a touch of lemon transform this simple dish into something special that you’ll want to make again and again.
I absolutely love how all the flavors come together in this pasta dish! The mix of fresh and dried herbs gives it such amazing depth, and when they meet that generous amount of butter, they create this incredible silky sauce that coats every bit of pasta perfectly. The peas add a lovely pop of sweetness and color, while the lemon brightens everything up and keeps it from feeling too heavy.
This has become one of our family’s go-to recipes because it’s so easy to adapt to what we have on hand. Sometimes I’ll use whatever herbs I have in the fridge, or I’ll add extra garlic when we’re craving more of that savory kick. My favorite trick is letting the butter get just slightly golden as it melts – it adds this subtle nutty flavor that makes the whole dish taste like it came from a restaurant, even though it only takes minutes to make!
Ingredients Needed
This easy buttery herb pasta with peas recipe uses simple, pantry staple ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spaghetti: I used spaghetti noodles here, but you can use any long pasta shape!
- Butter & Olive Oil: The combination of butter and olive oil is perfect to coat the noodles!
- Parsley: I use finely chopped fresh parsley here for a bright, herbal flavor.
- Dried Herbs: You will need dried basil, marjoram and thyme to add extra flavor to this pasta!
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is best for a deep, savory flavor!
- Salt & Ground Black Pepper: To taste.
- Lemon Juice: To brighten up the flavor a bit! If you like extra lemony flavor, you can add some lemon zest, too.
- Peas: I used canned peas here. If you use frozen, make sure they get thoroughly warmed through.
Substitutions & Additions
This butter lemon pasta is extremely versatile! Here are some variations you can try:
- Fresh peas or frozen peas can replace canned peas for a sweeter flavor! Just blanch them for 2-3 minutes in salted water before adding.
- For a protein boost, add sautéed shrimp or pieces of rotisserie chicken at the end of cooking, allowing them to warm through in the herbed butter sauce. Pancetta, bacon or prosciutto are also wonderful additions.
- Asparagus can be added, too. Simply cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook it briefly in the butter before adding the pasta.
- While spaghetti works beautifully, other pasta shapes like orecchiette, ditalini or fusilli are excellent alternatives, as their nooks and crannies catch the flavorful sauce.
- For a hint of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in the pan!
- For gluten-free buttery herb pasta, use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead.
- Add diced onions or shallots to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes before you add the garlic and spices.
- You can save up to 1/2 cup of the salted pasta water and add to the finished pasta until you reach a consistency you like.
- Pecorino Romano works in place of Parmesan, or you can use a blend of the two!
Recipe Steps
- Heat Pan: Melt butter and warm oil in a large pan over medium high heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Once butter has melted, add in seasonings and garlic. Cook for only 30-60 seconds and add in pasta, lemon juice, and peas. Toss together and heat pasta through before serving.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta works beautifully as either a main course or a side dish. For a complete meal, serve it alongside smoked chicken breast, salmon meunière, or seared scallops.
A simple Italian house salad makes a wonderful accompaniment, too, with the acidity of the dressing cutting through the richness of the pasta. As a side, my air fryer garlic bread is always a great option!
How to Store Leftover Butter Herb Pasta
While best enjoyed fresh, this herb and pea pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of water, vegetable broth or a small pat of butter to help revive the sauce, and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
I hope that you really enjoy this simple pea pasta recipe! If you make it, I’d love to hear how it went in the comments below.
Buttery Herb Pasta with Peas
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound spaghetti, cooked
- 1 cup butter
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon parsley, fresh
- 2 teaspoons dried marjoram
- 2 teaspoons ground thyme
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 can peas, drained
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of water according to package directions until al dente. Strain, toss with olive oil, then set aside.
- Melt butter and warm oil in a large pan over medium high heat.
- Once butter has melted, add in seasonings and garlic. Cook for only 30-60 seconds and add in pasta, lemon juice, and peas. Toss together and heat pasta through before serving.
- Garnish with parmesan cheese, if desired.
