Recipe for Shell Pasta with Peas and Creamy Sour Cream Sauce
Sometimes, the simplest recipes are also the most delicious. This shell pasta recipe with peas brings together the fresh flavors of mint and lemon, creating a dish that not only satisfies the taste buds but also enriches the table with an explosion of colors and textures. The parmesan added at the end is the cherry on top, giving a savory taste and a touch of elegance. Let's begin this culinary journey!
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 400 g shell pasta
- 300 g frozen peas
- 1 large egg
- 200 ml liquid sour cream
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground green pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon (juice)
- Dried or fresh mint, to preference
- Grated parmesan, for serving
Preparation:
1. Preparing the peas: Take the peas out of the freezer and place them in a bowl with warm water. Let them thaw for about 10 minutes until soft but not cooked. This step is essential as the peas will not require further cooking, and their fresh flavor will remain intact.
2. Cooking the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt, then add the shell pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Draining the pasta: When the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, being careful not to throw away the cooking water. It's essential to keep some pasta water to create a creamy sauce later. Leave the pasta in the colander to drain, without rinsing, to keep the starch that will help bind the sauce.
4. Preparing the sauce: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the liquid sour cream using a fork or whisk. Make sure the ingredients are well mixed, achieving a uniform composition.
5. Combining the ingredients: Transfer the pasta to a large bowl or a deep skillet. Add the thawed peas (make sure they are soft and ready to use). Pour the sour cream and egg sauce over the pasta, gently mixing to combine the ingredients well. The best part is that the pasta will absorb some of the cooking water, creating a delicious sauce.
6. Adjusting the sauce consistency: Check the sauce consistency. If it seems too dry, add a little water from the pot in which the pasta was cooked or a splash of liquid sour cream, mixing well until you achieve a creamy texture.
7. Seasoning: Now is the time to add the flavors! Sprinkle dried or fresh mint, freshly ground green pepper, and salt to taste. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into the pasta mixture. This detail will bring a fresh note and balance the flavors.
8. Serving: Portion the pasta into deep plates. Offer grated parmesan in a separate bowl, so everyone can sprinkle their desired amount of cheese on top. This finishing touch will add a salty and creamy note to each serving.
9. Final tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding some chopped fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of flavored olive oil before serving.
Nutritional benefits:
This shell pasta recipe with peas is not only delicious but also nutritious. Peas are rich in plant protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, while the pasta provides complex carbohydrates that offer energy. The sour cream and egg add an extra supply of calcium and protein.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh peas?
Yes, fresh peas can be used, but make sure they are well cooked before adding them to the pasta.
2. What type of pasta can I use instead of shells?
Any type of pasta is suitable, from penne to fusilli, but the shell shape holds the sauce better.
3. How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add chili flakes or ground red pepper for a bit of heat.
4. Can leftovers be stored?
Yes, you can store leftover pasta in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
This shell pasta recipe with peas is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress guests at a festive meal. With its fresh tastes and intense flavors, it will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!
Sometimes, the simplest recipes are also the most delicious. This shell pasta recipe with peas brings together the fresh flavors of mint and lemon, creating a dish that not only satisfies the taste buds but also enriches the table with an explosion of colors and textures. The parmesan added at the end is the cherry on top, giving a savory taste and a touch of elegance. Let's begin this culinary journey!
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 400 g shell pasta
- 300 g frozen peas
- 1 large egg
- 200 ml liquid sour cream
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground green pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon (juice)
- Dried or fresh mint, to preference
- Grated parmesan, for serving
Preparation:
1. Preparing the peas: Take the peas out of the freezer and place them in a bowl with warm water. Let them thaw for about 10 minutes until soft but not cooked. This step is essential as the peas will not require further cooking, and their fresh flavor will remain intact.
2. Cooking the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt, then add the shell pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Draining the pasta: When the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, being careful not to throw away the cooking water. It's essential to keep some pasta water to create a creamy sauce later. Leave the pasta in the colander to drain, without rinsing, to keep the starch that will help bind the sauce.
4. Preparing the sauce: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the liquid sour cream using a fork or whisk. Make sure the ingredients are well mixed, achieving a uniform composition.
5. Combining the ingredients: Transfer the pasta to a large bowl or a deep skillet. Add the thawed peas (make sure they are soft and ready to use). Pour the sour cream and egg sauce over the pasta, gently mixing to combine the ingredients well. The best part is that the pasta will absorb some of the cooking water, creating a delicious sauce.
6. Adjusting the sauce consistency: Check the sauce consistency. If it seems too dry, add a little water from the pot in which the pasta was cooked or a splash of liquid sour cream, mixing well until you achieve a creamy texture.
7. Seasoning: Now is the time to add the flavors! Sprinkle dried or fresh mint, freshly ground green pepper, and salt to taste. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into the pasta mixture. This detail will bring a fresh note and balance the flavors.
8. Serving: Portion the pasta into deep plates. Offer grated parmesan in a separate bowl, so everyone can sprinkle their desired amount of cheese on top. This finishing touch will add a salty and creamy note to each serving.
9. Final tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding some chopped fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of flavored olive oil before serving.
Nutritional benefits:
This shell pasta recipe with peas is not only delicious but also nutritious. Peas are rich in plant protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, while the pasta provides complex carbohydrates that offer energy. The sour cream and egg add an extra supply of calcium and protein.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh peas?
Yes, fresh peas can be used, but make sure they are well cooked before adding them to the pasta.
2. What type of pasta can I use instead of shells?
Any type of pasta is suitable, from penne to fusilli, but the shell shape holds the sauce better.
3. How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add chili flakes or ground red pepper for a bit of heat.
4. Can leftovers be stored?
Yes, you can store leftover pasta in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
This shell pasta recipe with peas is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress guests at a festive meal. With its fresh tastes and intense flavors, it will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!