This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors.

If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page.

A rich sweet pea puree serves as a sauce for this light pasta that’s then tossed with more peas, parm and crisp watercress.

Rach likes to serve these with her Baked Pears with Gorgonzola and Crispy Prosciutto.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
  • 2 large cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 pound fresh peas, 2 packages fresh shelled (or 1 pound frozen organic peas)
  • 1 cup loosely packed basil and mint
  • 1 small lemon, juiced
  • 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus some to pass at table
  • 12-16 ounces egg tagliatelle, fettuccine or spaghetti
  • 1 cup watercress or upland cress

Yield

Serves: 4-6

Preparation

Place a large pot of water on stove to boil for the pasta.

In a 2-3 quart pot, combine the EVOO, butter, stock and garlic, and bring to a boil. Once the liquids come to a boil, add peas and simmer about 3 minutes. Transfer half the peas to a food processor and pulse into a thick puree. Add herbs, lemon juice and cheese, and pulse again 6-8 beats, to combine.

Salt boiling water and cook pasta to 1 minute less than al dente, and reserve about ¾ cup starchy water before draining. Drain pasta and add back to hot pot with sauce, reserved peas and hot cooking water. Toss to combine, and add more cheese and adjust seasonings as necessary. Transfer to a large bowl and top pasta with cress.