Pea and ricotta pasta is a light yet comforting dish that celebrates simplicity and fresh ingredients. With its creamy texture and delicate flavor, it offers a perfect balance between richness and brightness, making it an ideal choice for both quick weeknight dinners and relaxed, elegant meals.
The dish typically combines tender pasta with sweet green peas and smooth ricotta cheese, creating a naturally creamy sauce without the need for heavy creams. The ricotta melts gently into the warm pasta, coating each piece with a soft, velvety texture, while the peas add a subtle sweetness and a pop of color. A touch of garlic, olive oil, and sometimes lemon zest enhances the overall flavor, adding depth and a hint of freshness.
One of the most appealing aspects of pea and ricotta pasta is its versatility. It can be prepared with different types of pasta, from short shapes like penne to long strands like spaghetti. Additional ingredients such as fresh herbs, grated cheese, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes can easily be incorporated to suit individual tastes. Some variations include adding spinach or asparagus for extra greens, making the dish even more vibrant and nutritious.
This pasta dish is also appreciated for its ease and speed of preparation. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor. It’s a great example of how simple, high-quality ingredients can create something truly satisfying.
This dish also works well as a base for seasonal variations, allowing cooks to incorporate fresh, local ingredients throughout the year. Its simplicity encourages creativity, making it easy to adjust flavors while maintaining its signature creamy and refreshing character.
Pea and ricotta pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a light white wine, enhancing its fresh and creamy flavors.
Pea and ricotta pasta remains a favorite for those who enjoy fresh, creamy, and effortlessly delicious meals that feel both comforting and refined.
Ingredients
- 200 grams pasta penne or any short pasta
- 150 grams frozen peas or fresh peas
- 100 grams ricotta cheese fresh
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the peas and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the peas. Stir in the ricotta cheese and a little pasta water until creamy.
- Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if using.
Nutrition
Meh, pasta is pasta. I don’t get the hype. 👎
This was delicious! The ricotta made it so creamy and rich. I added some chili flakes for spice! 🍝
I followed the recipe but it turned out kinda bland… maybe more cheese next time? 🤔
Yum! I really liked it and it’s super simple. Will make again for sure! 👍
Why would you even put peas in pasta? That sounds so weird. Not for me.
Quick and easy recipe! Even my kids loved it! Just the perfect amount of garlic too. Thanks!
Seems too easy… I dont know, my kids are picky eaters. Will it really taste good? 🤔
This recipe is a lifesaver! Made it for a family dinner and everyone devoured it. Super simple and quick! 🙌
Eh, recipe seemed too simple. I am not impressed. Needs more flavor!
Not great, the peas got all mushy. Maybe I cooked them too long? 🤔
Pasta and peas? Who came up with this! Sounds weird but I tried it and it was bomb! 💣
This was kinda bland to me… maybe needs more garlic or something 🤔
This recipe is super easy and delicious! My kids loved it! 🌟
Looks good, but I think my kids would prefer macaroni and cheese instead. Just saying! 🤷♂️
I tried this recipe last night, and it was a huge hit! So easy and tasty! 🌟
My kids loved this! Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. Will make again.
Not bad, but I think the peas get lost a little—maybe I should sauté them longer or add lemon. Still edible and quick.
Ricotta in pasta always seems kinda bland to me. Also, the cooking time for peas felt too short—mine were still firm.
My kids liked it, so that’s a win in my book! Plus, it’s healthy! ❤️
I dunno, guys. I just feel like it needed more ‘oomph’.
I totally get what you’re saying! Maybe adding some lemon zest or a pinch of red pepper flakes could give it that extra kick. Just a thought!
Pasta! Yes! I love pasta! Great recipe, easy ingredients!
I totally agree! Pasta is the best! I made this last night and it was delish! 😋
Looks simple but pasta is so boring. Can’t you add some meat or something? Just peas? Hmm.
I don’t think pasta and peas go together, but my friend made it and said it’s great. 🤔
OMG this is delicous! Whipped it up in no time. Thanks for the recipe! ❤️
I only had frozen peas and they were hard to find at the store! But I made it work. Tasted good!
I’m not even sure why ricotta is in pasta? Seems weird…
This pasta is divine! So easy to make and delicious. My kids loved it too!
I was a little skeptical about ricotta not melting “properly,” but stirring with pasta water fixed it. Nice comfort food for a weeknight.
I was like, ricotta wont melt… but ok pasta water makes sense. I’ll try it, my only thing is I always forget to reserve the water 😅
Totally agree—ricotta can be weird at first, but that splash of pasta water saves it. Sounds like a perfect quick dinner.
This is a total winner! So simple and perfect for a busy night. Pasta is life! 🍝❤️
This dish was absolutely delicious! The ricotta made it so creamy. I will definitely make this again.
Why would anyone use frozen peas?? 🤦♂️ Fresh is best!
Cheap. Tasty.
Made this tonight—so creamy without being heavy. The garlic + ricotta combo is 🔥. I used a splash more pasta water and it came out perfect.
Yumm! Made it tonight and it was creamy and nice. Will make again. 😋
So glad to hear you liked it! It’s one of my favorites too, super easy and delicious. 😍
This recipe is a scam! Pasta with peas? Sounds like a child’s meal. I won’t bother.
Uhh, I made it but forgot to put in peas! Whoops! Still kinda good tho.
I tried this recipe and it turned out amazing! So creamy and full of flavor. 😍
I tried but it was too bland for me. Maybe I did something wrong. 🤷♀️
Glad you loved it! The creaminess is the best part, right? 🍝
I had to substitute with cream cheese because I couldn’t find ricotta. Still tasted good.
I followed it pretty closely, though my ricotta was more watery than expected. I added extra Parmesan and it thickened up. Tasty though!
Just okay. I think it needs some meat or something. No offense.
Super easy and quick to make, but I used too much salt. Whoops! Next time less salt.
Meh… it was okay, but I wanted more sauce. I think 1/2 cup pasta water wasn’t enough for my pasta. Could just be my ratios.
Yummmm! Perfect for a quick dinner. Thanks for sharing! 👍
Could’ve been better. My peas were mushy. Guess I cooked them too long. Oops!
Don’t worry! Mushy peas happen to the best of us. Just gotta keep an eye on them next time. 😅
Super easy and actually tastes like more effort than it is. I had fresh peas so I just cooked them until bright green. Parmesan on top was a great call.
Eh, it was okay. I think it needed more flavor. Maybe some lemon juice would help?
I totally agree with you! A splash of lemon juice can really brighten up the dish. I’ll try that next time!
Nah, I think it’s fine as it is. It’s supposed to be creamy, not a burst of flavors. Just add more salt if you need it.
I accidentally used sweet peas from a can and it tasted weirdly dessert-y 😅. With actual peas though, I bet it’s better. Recipe is simple.
Good flavor, but next time I’ll mince the garlic even finer—mine was a bit strong in one bite. Still will make again.