I made this Garlic Cream Bucatini with Peas and Asparagus Recipe on a weeknight when I wanted something comforting but still fresh. I loved how the creamy garlic sauce wrapped around the pasta while the vegetables kept the dish light.
When I served it, everyone thought it tasted like a restaurant meal even though it was simple to cook. I enjoy recipes that feel fancy without requiring complicated steps. If you’re craving a cozy pasta dish with bright flavors, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
You can also pair it with a hearty side like Turkey Chili with Kidney Beans Recipe for a full meal or a refreshing salad such as Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives Recipe on the side.
Ingredients Section
Using fresh, simple ingredients makes this pasta creamy, flavorful, and balanced. Each ingredient contributes either richness, freshness, or texture to the final dish.
• 12 ounces bucatini pasta – Bucatini’s hollow center holds sauce beautifully, making each bite creamy and satisfying. Spaghetti works, but bucatini gives better texture.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used to sauté garlic and vegetables while adding subtle richness.
• 3 tablespoons butter – Helps create a silky base for the garlic cream sauce.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic is essential for flavor. Avoid jarred garlic for the best aroma.
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces – Adds crunch and fresh spring flavor. Fresh asparagus works far better than frozen for texture.
• 1 cup frozen peas – Peas add sweetness and color. Frozen peas are perfect since they cook quickly and stay tender.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Creates the creamy sauce. Use full-fat cream for the smoothest texture.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and avoids the gritty texture of pre-shredded cheese.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Adds brightness that balances the richness of the cream.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Lifts the flavors and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Adjust according to taste and cheese saltiness.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds gentle warmth and balances creaminess.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds light heat for spice lovers.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil – Fresh herbs brighten the dish and improve presentation.
• ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water – Helps loosen sauce and bind it smoothly to pasta.
Note: Ingredient quantities make approximately 4 generous servings.
Variations
This pasta dish is flexible and easy to customize depending on preferences or dietary needs.
You can make a lighter version by replacing cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or cashew cream with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra protein. Mushrooms or spinach can also replace or supplement asparagus. For extra flavor, stir in sun-dried tomatoes or toasted pine nuts.
Cooking Time
This pasta cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: About 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
• Large pot – Used for boiling pasta evenly.
• Large skillet or sauté pan – Needed to prepare sauce and vegetables.
• Cutting board – For safely chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Sharp knife – Makes vegetable preparation faster and cleaner.
• Colander – Used to drain cooked pasta.
• Tongs or pasta spoon – Helps combine pasta with sauce easily.
How to Make Garlic Cream Bucatini with Peas and Asparagus Recipe?
This pasta comes together quickly using simple steps and one pan for sauce. Preparing vegetables before cooking helps everything move smoothly. The final dish delivers creamy comfort with fresh seasonal flavor.
Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil and cook bucatini until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining. Properly salted water improves overall pasta flavor.
Sauté Garlic and Vegetables
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, then sauté garlic briefly. Add asparagus and cook until tender-crisp. This keeps vegetables vibrant while adding flavor.
Make the Cream Sauce
Pour heavy cream into the pan and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted smoothly. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes for balance.
Add Peas and Lemon
Stir peas into the sauce and cook briefly until heated through. Add lemon zest and juice to brighten flavors. This step balances the creamy richness.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss with sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen sauce. Sauce should coat pasta smoothly without becoming watery.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and stir in fresh herbs. Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Extra Parmesan on top makes the dish even more inviting.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this pasta several times, I’ve picked up helpful tricks that improve the final dish.
• I always salt pasta water generously since pasta absorbs flavor while cooking.
• I add pasta water slowly to control sauce thickness.
• I slightly undercook asparagus so it stays bright and crisp.
• I grate Parmesan fresh because it melts much better.
• I sometimes add grilled chicken when serving to make it more filling.
How to Serve Garlic Cream Bucatini with Peas and Asparagus Recipe?
This creamy pasta works beautifully as a main dish but pairs well with lighter sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance richness. Garlic bread or toasted baguette is perfect for soaking up leftover sauce. Garnish bowls with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, and lemon zest for restaurant-style presentation. Serving in warm bowls helps keep pasta creamy longer.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving.
• Calories: Around 520 calories per serving
• Protein: Approximately 15 grams from pasta and cheese
• Carbohydrates: About 55 grams from pasta and vegetables
• Fat: Roughly 28 grams due to cream and butter
Make Ahead and Storage
This pasta is best fresh but can still be stored successfully.
Refrigerating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens slightly as it cools but remains flavorful.
Freezing
Cream-based pasta sauces do not freeze perfectly, but portions can be frozen for up to 1 month. Texture may change slightly after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream. Stir occasionally to restore smooth sauce texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This pasta combines comforting flavors with fresh vegetables, making it perfect for many occasions. Here’s why it quickly becomes a favorite.
• Quick and easy preparation
The entire dish cooks in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
• Creamy but still fresh
The garlic cream sauce feels indulgent while vegetables and lemon keep flavors light and balanced.
• Flexible ingredient options
You can easily add proteins or swap vegetables to suit preferences or seasonal availability.
• Restaurant-quality results at home
The silky sauce and bright flavors taste impressive without requiring complicated techniques.
• Great for family or guests
It’s comforting enough for family dinners yet elegant enough to serve when entertaining.
This Garlic Cream Bucatini with Peas and Asparagus recipe offers creamy comfort paired with bright, fresh flavors. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself turning to it whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal that still feels special.
Garlic Cream Bucatini with Peas and Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook bucatini until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining. Properly salted water improves overall pasta flavor.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, then sauté garlic briefly. Add asparagus and cook until tender-crisp. This keeps vegetables vibrant while adding flavor.
- Pour heavy cream into the pan and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted smoothly. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes for balance.
- Stir peas into the sauce and cook briefly until heated through. Add lemon zest and juice to brighten flavors. This step balances the creamy richness.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss with sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen sauce. Sauce should coat pasta smoothly without becoming watery.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh herbs. Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Extra Parmesan on top makes the dish even more inviting
Notes
- I always salt pasta water generously since pasta absorbs flavor while cooking.
- I add pasta water slowly to control sauce thickness.
- I slightly undercook asparagus so it stays bright and crisp.
- I grate Parmesan fresh because it melts much better.
- I sometimes add grilled chicken when serving to make it more filling.
