Neezy Peazy Lunch
Discover the simplicity and vibrant flavors of "Neezy Peazy Lunch," a quick and wholesome pasta dish perfect for busy weekdays. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with sweet, vibrant frozen peas, zesty lemon juice and zest, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil leaves for a refreshing burst of summer in every bite. Topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a hint of optional chili flakes for a touch of heat, this 25-minute meal is both satisfying and light. With minimal prep and versatile ingredients, it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser for lunch or dinner. Perfect for pasta lovers looking for easy, flavorful comfort food, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your weekly rotation!
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Ingredients
- 200 grams Penne pasta
- 1 cup Frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 10 leaves Basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 cups Water (for boiling pasta)
Directions
Step 1
Bring the water to a boil in a large pot, add a pinch of salt, and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, finely chop the garlic cloves and set aside.
Step 3
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4
Add the frozen peas to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender and bright green.
Step 5
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and basil leaves (tear them gently by hand before adding) into the skillet. Mix well to release the fragrant aromatics.
Step 6
Transfer the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together gently. If the mixture looks a little dry, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 7
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and season with salt, black pepper, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Step 8
Serve immediately, garnished with a few extra basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 2375 grams (2375.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1199 |
| Total Fat 38.40g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat 8.50g | 43% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g | |
| Cholesterol 20mg | 7% |
| Sodium 1531mg | 67% |
| Total Carbohydrate 175.30g | 64% |
| Dietary Fiber 16.70g | 60% |
| Total Sugars 9.90g | |
| Protein 42.60g | 85% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 289mg | 22% |
| Iron 10mg | 57% |
| Potassium 888mg | 19% |
Source of Calories