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Farfalle with spring vegetables

In season asparagus and peas make the perfect accompaniment to pasta

Tip

Fresh peas are available from spring through to the middle of summer. A handful of baby spinach leaves can be added to the sauce.

  • Yield

    Serves 4

Ingredients

Ingredients

400g (13oz) farfalle or penne
24 stems asparagus (halved lengthways if very thick)
2tbsp olive oil
200g (6½oz) peas, thawed if frozen
100ml (3¼fl oz) double cream
20 basil leaves, roughly chopped
2tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
Fresh grated Parmesan
  1. Method

    Step 1

    Put a large pan of salted water on to boil. Meanwhile, trim the asparagus, cutting off any woody ends and cut the stems into 10-12cm (4-5in) lengths.

    Step 2

    Heat the oil in a large frying pan and add the asparagus. Cook for about 2 minutes, making sure to toss the asparagus, and then add the peas. Cook and stir over a medium heat, until the vegetables have softened and are bright green. Keep the mixture warm over a gentle heat.

    Step 3

    Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente. A few minutes before the pasta is ready, add the cream and a squeeze of lemon juice to the vegetables, raise the heat and bring to the boil. Boil until reduced so that the cream coats the vegetables. Season to taste.

    Step 4

    Drain the pasta and return to the pan. Pour the vegetables and sauce over the pasta and stir in the herbs and lemon zest. Serve immediately with Parmesan.