Tagliatelle with Asparagus & Peas is a light, fresh pasta dish that I love to make in the spring or whenever I want something simple, green, and comforting. Tender tagliatelle noodles are tossed with bright vegetables, a touch of cream, and lemon for a dish that feels both elegant and easy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this dish because it’s packed with seasonal flavor and comes together quickly. It’s creamy without being heavy, and the peas and asparagus add a beautiful pop of color and texture. Whether I’m cooking for myself or for company, this pasta always feels special.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Tagliatelle pasta
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Asparagus (trimmed and chopped)
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Green peas (fresh or frozen)
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Olive oil or butter
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Garlic
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Heavy cream or crème fraîche
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Lemon zest and juice
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper
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Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or chives – optional)
Directions
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I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tagliatelle until al dente.
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During the last 2 minutes of cooking, I add the asparagus and peas to the boiling water.
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I reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and vegetables.
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In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
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I add the cooked pasta and veggies to the skillet, then stir in cream, lemon zest, and juice.
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I toss everything gently, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
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I stir in grated Parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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I garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 25–30 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
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I sometimes add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
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For a protein boost, I toss in grilled chicken or shrimp.
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I’ve used ricotta or mascarpone instead of cream for a different kind of richness.
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I make a vegan version with oat cream and nutritional yeast in place of dairy.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cream to bring back the sauce. It can be microwaved too, but I stir it halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, I often substitute with fettuccine, pappardelle, or linguine depending on what I have.
Do I need to blanch the asparagus first?
No, I cook it directly in the pasta water during the last 2 minutes—it saves time and dishes.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, I use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast to keep it creamy and flavorful.
What kind of peas work best?
I use either fresh or frozen peas. If using frozen, I add them straight to the boiling water—no need to thaw first.
Is this good for leftovers?
It holds up well for a day or two, especially if I store it with a little extra sauce or moisture. I just reheat gently and serve with a squeeze of lemon to refresh it.
Conclusion
Tagliatelle with Asparagus & Peas is one of those pasta dishes that feels light yet satisfying. It celebrates simple ingredients, comes together fast, and always leaves me feeling nourished and happy. It’s a perfect blend of fresh and comforting.
PrintTagliatelle with Asparagus & Peas
Tagliatelle with Asparagus & Peas is a light, fresh pasta dish featuring tender ribbons of tagliatelle tossed with bright spring vegetables, creamy sauce, lemon, and fresh herbs—simple yet elegant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course, Pasta, Spring
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz tagliatelle pasta
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1‑inch pieces
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil or chives) for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tagliatelle until al dente.
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the asparagus pieces and peas to the pot. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain pasta and vegetables.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta and veggies to the skillet, then stir in the heavy cream (or crème fraîche), lemon zest and juice.
- Toss gently, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can swap tagliatelle for fettuccine, linguine or another ribbon pasta.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use ricotta or mascarpone instead of cream for a different kind of richness.
- Make a vegan version using oat cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
