If you’re searching for a quick, healthy, and flavorful pasta dish, Green Pea Pasta is a perfect recipe to add to your meal rotation. This vibrant pasta is creamy, comforting, and packed with fresh flavors from peas, basil, garlic, and olive oil. Best of all, it’s completely vegan-friendly, high in protein, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Green pea pasta is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can create a restaurant-quality meal. The sauce is made by blending sautéed onions, garlic, peas, tofu, and basil into a smooth and creamy texture. Unlike traditional cream-based pasta sauces, this recipe gets its richness from silken tofu, making it lighter while still incredibly satisfying.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it works year-round. While peas are often associated with spring recipes, frozen peas make this dish accessible anytime. Frozen peas are picked at peak freshness and retain their vibrant color and natural sweetness, making them ideal for this creamy pasta sauce.
Another highlight of this recipe is how nutritious it is. Peas are packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin A. Combined with tofu, the sauce becomes a protein-rich option that works well for plant-based diets.
This pasta is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with additional vegetables like asparagus, spinach, zucchini, or broccoli. If you prefer extra heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a subtle spicy kick.
The beautiful green color of this pasta makes it visually stunning, especially when topped with fresh basil leaves and chili flakes. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive yet requires minimal effort.
Because the sauce blends together quickly in a blender, the cooking process is simple. First, the onion and garlic are sautéed until fragrant. Then the peas are briefly cooked before everything is blended with tofu and basil to create a creamy sauce. Finally, the sauce is tossed with pasta and loosened with starchy pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.
Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a fresh spring-inspired meal, this Creamy Green Pea Pasta is guaranteed to become a favorite.
table of contents
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red or yellow onion, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound frozen peas, thawed
- 12 ounces silken tofu
- 1 cup fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cups pasta water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
- Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve 2 cups of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics
In the same pot used for the pasta, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic.
Sauté until softened and lightly golden.
3. Add the seasonings
Add paprika and Italian seasoning.
Stir and cook for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
4. Cook the peas
Add the thawed peas to the pot.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
If the mixture begins sticking to the pan, add a small splash of pasta water.
5. Blend the sauce
Transfer the cooked onions, garlic, and peas into a blender.
Add:
- silken tofu
- fresh basil
Blend on high for 2–3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Blend again briefly.
6. Cook the sauce
Return the blended sauce to the pot.
Cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce.
Mix well until evenly coated.
If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water gradually until it reaches your preferred consistency.
8. Garnish and serve
Serve immediately and garnish with:
- fresh basil
- red pepper flakes
Enjoy!
Why This Green Pea Pasta Works
This pasta recipe works so well because it combines fresh ingredients with a clever plant-based technique. Silken tofu acts as a creamy base without needing dairy, while peas provide natural sweetness and color. The starchy pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, giving it a silky texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
Tips for the Best Pea Pasta
Cook pasta al dente
This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft once mixed with the sauce.
Reserve pasta water
The starch helps create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Use a high-speed blender
This produces the smoothest texture.
Adjust seasoning
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper.
Variations
This pasta recipe can easily be customized.
Add vegetables
- asparagus
- zucchini
- spinach
- broccoli
Add protein
- grilled tofu cubes
- roasted chickpeas
- vegan sausage
Add citrus
A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerator: up to 3 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes. Fresh peas work well but may require slightly longer cooking.
What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like penne or fusilli holds the sauce well, but spaghetti also works.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Disclaimer
This recipe is for informational purposes only. Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Creamy Green Pea Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, and frozen peas and cook for a few minutes until the peas are heated through.
- Transfer the pea mixture to a blender and add silken tofu, fresh basil, and a splash of pasta water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Return the sauce to the skillet and simmer gently for a few minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss well, adding additional pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve topped with fresh basil and optional chili flakes.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
Green Pea Pasta is a delicious and nutritious meal that combines simple ingredients into a vibrant and satisfying dish. With its creamy plant-based sauce, fresh basil flavor, and bright green color, it’s perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and spring-inspired meals. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or simply looking for a healthier pasta option, this recipe offers an easy way to enjoy a comforting bowl of pasta packed with flavor and nutrients.