Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas – A Springtime Hug from My Cretan Kitchen

Name: Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 400 g pasta; 250 g asparagus, trimmed and chopped; 1 cup green peas; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Fati Bendahi 13 hours ago

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The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking.

When I stand in my kitchen and make Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas, I feel the same joy I felt as a little girl standing beside my grandmother, watching her hands move with calm confidence. She always said spring vegetables carry hope inside them. Every time I cook Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas, I remember her opening the windows wide, letting the breeze and sunlight mix with the smell of olive oil.

I like to keep things simple but tasty, mixing classic recipes with a little creativity. Sometimes my kitchen gets messy, but that’s where the fun is. Whether you’re new to cooking or have some experience, I’m here to help you enjoy making delicious meals that feel like home. Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.

This Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas is one of those dishes that feels light, comforting, and full of life. I make it when I want something fresh but satisfying, something that brings everyone to the table without effort or stress.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

I love making Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas because it celebrates vegetables instead of hiding them. I don’t drown them in sauce or cook them until they lose their soul. I let them stay bright, tender, and proud.

This recipe reminds me that food doesn’t need to be complicated to be special. A pot of boiling water, a pan with olive oil, and fresh vegetables already feel like a gift. I make this dish when friends come over unexpectedly, when my family needs comfort, or when I want to cook something that feels gentle on the body and heart.

I also love how forgiving this recipe feels. If I add a little extra garlic, nobody complains. If I use more peas because they’re sweet and beautiful, everyone smiles. This Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas always welcomes me exactly as I am.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

I always say ingredients matter, but love matters more. Still, I choose good ingredients because they respect the dish.

For this Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas, I use:

Pasta, usually penne or spaghetti
Fresh asparagus, thin and bright green
Sweet green peas, fresh or frozen
Olive oil, always extra virgin
Garlic cloves
Onion or shallot
Lemon zest and juice
Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil

My little secret comes from my grandmother. I always save a cup of pasta water. That starchy water creates magic. It pulls everything together without cream, without heaviness, without guilt.

How I Make It, Step by Step

I start by boiling a large pot of salted water. I want it to taste like the sea near my home in Crete. While the water heats, I prepare the vegetables slowly, without rushing.

I trim the asparagus and cut it into small pieces. I keep the tips separate because they cook faster. I chop the onion finely and crush the garlic gently, never aggressively.

When the pasta goes into the water, I heat olive oil in a wide pan. I add the onion and let it soften until it turns sweet and translucent. I add the garlic and stir gently, letting the aroma fill my kitchen.

I add the asparagus stems first, cooking them until just tender. Then I add the tips and peas, watching the green colors brighten like spring fields. I season with salt and pepper and add lemon zest for freshness.

I transfer the cooked pasta directly into the pan, along with pasta water. I toss everything together, letting the sauce form naturally. I finish with lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and fresh herbs.

This Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas always looks like happiness in a bowl.

How I Serve It at Home

At home, I serve this dish family-style. I place the pan in the middle of the table and let everyone help themselves. I add extra cheese on the side and fresh bread for dipping into the sauce left behind.

Sometimes I serve it with a simple salad. Sometimes I eat it alone on the balcony, listening to the evening sounds of Crete. This dish fits every mood.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. I reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or olive oil. I never microwave it aggressively because vegetables deserve respect.

I sometimes prepare the vegetables ahead of time, especially on busy days. When dinner time comes, everything feels calm and easy.

100-Word Short Version

This Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas is light, fresh, and comforting. I cook it with olive oil, lemon, and seasonal vegetables, keeping flavors clean and bright. The dish comes together quickly and feels perfect for spring or any day you want something gentle and satisfying. I serve it with Parmesan and fresh herbs, always sharing it with people I love.

🌿 Recipe Card

⏱️ Time

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

400 g pasta
250 g asparagus
1 cup green peas
3 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves
1 small onion
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
½ cup grated Parmesan
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
Add asparagus and peas and cook briefly.
Add pasta, pasta water, lemon, and cheese.
Toss and serve warm.

📝 Notes

Use fresh vegetables when possible. Save pasta water for a silky sauce.

🍽️ Nutrition

Comforting, fresh, balanced 🌱

Conclusion

This Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas feels like spring in my kitchen. I cook it with love, patience, and gratitude. I hope it brings warmth to your table and joy to your heart, just like it does to mine.