5 Pasta Dishes Showcasing Fresh Spring Peas

After a long produce slump, vibrant spring vegetables are finally back at the marketplace. The one seasonal gem we’re most-eager to get our hands on? Fresh spring peas, of course. Sure, they aren’t as trendy as ramps — and perhaps they lack the sex appeal of avocados, but all we are saying… is give peas a chance. (You knew that was coming.)

Tender, vibrant and earthy (but with a subtle hint of sweetness, especially when softened in butter), this versatile veg is one of our favorites for a reason: It makes an A+ companion to any and all varieties of pasta. And, in most cases, if you can’t get your hands on fresh peas, using frozen is perfectly fine.

From long and luxurious fettuccine to petite and plump orzo, here are a few of our favorite pasta-and-pea pairings to try out this spring.

Pasta, Pesto and Peas (pictured at top)
Ina Garten bolsters classic basil pesto with the addition of fresh spring peas and a little bit of spinach, too, when creating this beautiful yet simple pasta dinner.

Pasta, Pancetta and Peas
The subtly sweet, almost candied taste of pan-fried pancetta complements earthy peas so wonderfully in this cheesy dish. Sunny Anderson tosses them both some al dente fettuccine and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan.

Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole with Ham and Peas
If you’re searching for ways to use up your leftover Easter ham, try it diced and combined with tender peas and plump potato gnocchi. A creamy sauce made of shredded Gruyere gives the dish a much-needed nutty bite.

Tagliatelle with Smashed Peas, Sausage and Ricotta Cheese
Giada De Laurentiis’s creamy tagliatelle is comfort food with a spring makeover. Hot Italian sausage lends a boost of sweet and spicy flavor, while the peas add a necessary pop of color.

Orzotto with Peas
Tired of pleading with picky eaters? Has the legendary All That song failed to sway them time and time again? Never fear: This crowd-pleasing dish of plump orzo, tender green peas and grated Parmesan will captivate even the fussiest kids.

Are you half as excited about spring as we are? Get tips and recipes on how to use more of the season’s best produce here.

from FN Dish – Food Network Blog http://ift.tt/2nobNZs

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