I need to start a new category on the blog called, “Recipes I thought weren’t turning out and ended up being favorites”. It seems to be the recipes that I’m the least bit worried about photographing and the least confident in always end up being my favorites. And not just mine but the whole family’s. But bla, bla, bla about that right? No one wants to hear about how our 8 year old sighed an ugly sigh when I told her we were having creamy garlic lemon butter pasta for dinner, and then how she ended up having two bowls (which never happens) because she loved it so much.
Or how Cade texted me from the church (he has to be there for interviews on some nights) and asked me to please come quickly with another bowl because it was so gosh darned good. Yes, we live in Utah and our church is literally a 3 minute walk up the road. But no one wants to hear those things right?
You just want to hear that it’s an easy pasta, creamy, dreamy, and gosh darn delicious. I hear ya. I don’t want to hear people blabbing the same story over and over again either. Yes, I’ve read those blogs too and I’m trying to avoid it. Here are a few if you need a good read, berries and cream crepes where we talk about our miracle baby, Reese’s Pieces Chocolate cookies where we, yes even the readers discuss weird dreams, and there’s always that post about the questions that changed my marriage.
And before you run away too quickly, check out these other recipes that will help you to eat seasonally.
The darling over at Vintage Mixer helps us compile a hole list of seasonal recipes every month so it only seems right that I start with her’s. Plus, just wait until you see her recipe.
A Zesty Bite – Whipped Lemon Ricotta Open Faced sandwich
Well Plated – Curried Broccoli Chickpea Hash
Climbing Grier Mountain – Baked Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Artichokes with Blue Cheese
Completely Delicious – Roasted Asparagus and Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Bless this Mess – Spinach and Mushroom Marinara with (or without) Meatballs
Cookie and Kate – Greek Broccoli Salad
Kitchen Confidante – Baked Eggs with Asparagus and Peas
Vintage Mixer – Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Cafe Johnsonia – Blood Orange Asparagus Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing
Kelley Mountain Mama Cooks- Avocado and Mango Salad with Citrus Poppyseed Dressing
Oh, Sweet Basil- Creamy Garlic Lemon Butter Pasta
Foodie Crush – Spinach, Leek and Bacon Quiche
How Do You Know When Pasta Is Done?
The best way to tell if pasta is done is to take a bite.
It should be al dente, or firm to the taste.
The longer it cooks, the gummier it gets.
So, the old saying “if it sticks to the wall, it is done”, should really say, “if it sticks to the wall, it is overdone!”
Can You Reheat Pasta?
The best way to reheat plain pasta is to place it in a metal strainer and dip it in boiling water until it is hot.
If the pasta is in pasta sauce, heat in a shallow container in the microwave.
How Long Will Pasta Keep?
Dried Pasta will keep 1-2 years beyond the “best by” date.
Cooked pasta will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Creamy Garlic Lemon Butter Pasta
Creamy Garlic Lemon Butter Pasta
Ingredients
- 1/2 Pound Angel Hair Pasta
- 1/2 Bunch Asparagus, trimmed
- 1 1/2 Cups Sweet Peas, defrosted
For the sauce
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons Flour
- 1 Cup Half and Half
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 3/4 Cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 Lemon
- Juice of 1 Lemon
Instructions
- Drizzle a little olive oil and salt and pepper over the asparagus and toss to coat.
- Heat a grill pan over medium high heat and cook the trimmed asparagus for 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally or until tender.
- Set aside with peas.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and cook until melted and the butter is beginning to turn golden.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds and dump in the flour, whisking quickly.
- Allow to cook for one minute and then add the broth, half and half and milk.
- Bring to a gentle boil, and stirring occasionally cook until slightly thickened.
- Add the lemon zest and juice and then season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, heat a pot of water over medium high heat and once boiling, salt the water and add the pasta.
- Cook according to package directions.
- Using tongs, lift the pasta straight into the sauce, adding a little pasta water if needed, add the veggies and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
jimmy
This is very delicious dish. Can we eat this when we are fat and on diet?
Sweet Basil
Thanks! I wouldn’t call this dish an ideal dish for losing weight at all. There’s quite a bit of fat and carbs.
Anu Shukla
Great
we love your skills,
keep sharing!
Sweet Basil
Thanks!
Emma
Oh my goodness this is heavenly! Thank you for posting it! I have a new go-to easy supper!
Sweet Basil
Thank you, Emma! I love having a few quick and easy meals in my arsenal for super busy nights!
Brenda
I made the sauce and tossed it with cheese tortelinis… I served the tortelinith lemon garlic rosemary broiled chicken thighs with a nice crispy skin…. Ohhhh my Lord. HEAVEN!
Sweet Basil
That pretty much sounds amazing and I’ve got tortellini in the freezer so I’m totally copying you this weekend!
Teresa
Unable to eat pasta tried this over salmon after adding some chopped scallions. Garnished with a bit more of the scallion tops. Beautiful presentation and wonderful taste.
Sweet Basil
Oh I can just picture how lovely it must have looked!
Brian @ A Thought For Food
So funny! I just created a spring pasta dish with asparagus and peas and it was SO much fun photographing it! This looks totally fabulous!
Sweet Basil
Well, I’m pretty sure that means we are both awesome. 😉
Liren
I love surprise dishes that turn out to be faves! I can see why this was a hit!
Sweet Basil
Right? And it’s always like that around here. It seems like when I try really hard that’s when it’s not as great.
Thalia @ butter and brioche
This has to be the most creamy pasta I have ever seen. I don’t make pasta that often but when I do make it – I like it indulgent, creamy and chees-y, just like this. Definitely saving this recipe!
Sweet Basil
I’m the exact same!
Melissa @ Bless this Mess
I love when cream and pasta meet my favorite vegetables. Looks perfect!
Sweet Basil
Thanks girl!
Geri
Hi Carriann,
I just made your recipe for the Creamy Garlic Lemon Butter Pasta for dinner. It was SO good! I needed a new ‘go-to’ recipe, and this was it! So yummy! (PS. I’m Lauren Grier’s mama – from Climbing Grier Mountain) I saw your recipe reading her blog. : )
Sweet Basil
Oh my goodness, Geri your sweet comment just made my night! Lauren is such an amazing person and of course chef which I’m sure is all thanks to you. So glad you enjoyed it!! xoxo
Becky
There’s no better feeling than when Josh asks me for seconds. 🙂 Glad it turned out better that you expected. The dish sure does look incredible!!
Sweet Basil
Right? And we’ve been married for 1 billion years but dang, I still love it!
kelley {mountain mama cooks}
That pasta looks so rich and creamy Carrian! And I’m all about the asparagus right now too- perfect for a light dinner to ring in spring!
Sweet Basil
Totally. I feel like I’m not using it to its full potential either so you just feel free to send me recipes as you make them
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
So pretty! And the flavors you can’t beat!
Sweet Basil
Thanks so much Lauren!
Heidi @foodiecrush
This is the perfect weeknight dinner to welcome in spring, or a side for chicken or fish. Easy peasy! Literally 🙂
Sweet Basil
Thanks Heidi! Hope you’re well!
Laura @ RYG
All these eye popping healthy greens make me think (despite the 4 feet of snow out my front door in Buffalo, NY!!!) that spring WILL come despite my fears. Asparagus and peas are the best!! A friend of mine from church actually admitted that she sits in the car when by herself and cries about the snow! oh dear.
Sweet Basil
Oh my goodness! That is definitely sad but totally understandable