Creamy Garlic Bucatini with Spring Peas & Asparagus Recipe

Creamy garlic cream bucatini dances with spring’s most vibrant vegetables in this irresistible pasta dish.

Delicate asparagus spears and sweet green peas nestle between silky strands of bucatini.

Italian comfort meets seasonal freshness through a luscious sauce that whispers elegance.

Pasta lovers will adore how each twirled bite combines rich garlic notes with tender green vegetables.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Soft parmesan shavings and fresh herbs complete the plate’s beautiful symphony.

Garlic Cream Bucatini with Peas and Asparagus Overview

• Customize Your Dish: Elevate this recipe by adding rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp for a protein boost that transforms the meal from simple to spectacular.
• Craft Crispy Toppings: Whip up golden breadcrumbs with a flavor-packed seasoning mix of Italian herbs, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for an irresistible crunchy texture.
• Master Quick Weeknight Magic: Prepare a restaurant-worthy pasta dish in just a few minutes, combining fresh vegetables, creamy sauce, and zesty lemon for a delightful dinner that impresses without stress.
• Embrace Seasonal Veggie Delight: Showcase spring's best produce with tender asparagus and sweet green peas, creating a vibrant and nutritious meal that celebrates fresh ingredients.

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Cream Bucatini

• Bucatini Pasta: A thick, long pasta with a hole running through the center that provides excellent sauce-holding capabilities.
• Asparagus: A fresh green vegetable that adds a tender and vibrant texture to the dish.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet green vegetables that bring a pop of color and freshness to the pasta.

• Butter: A rich ingredient that helps create a smooth and creamy base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and velvety texture to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus elements that add a tangy and fresh flavor profile to the dish.

• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that infuses the sauce with a deep, savory flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Crispy topping that provides a delightful crunch and texture.
• Olive Oil: Used for toasting breadcrumbs and adding additional flavor.
• Dried Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder: Complementary spices that boost the breadcrumbs' flavor.
• Rotisserie Chicken or Shrimp: Optional protein additions to make the dish more substantial.
• Crunchy Onions: An extra crispy element to mix with the breadcrumbs.

How to Make Garlic Cream Bucatini with Veggies

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook the bucatini in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, following the package instructions carefully.

Drain and set aside, keeping the pasta warm.

Step 2: Sauté Asparagus

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add butter and let it melt completely.

Toss in the asparagus and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes tender and displays a vibrant green color.

The asparagus should still have a slight crunch.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic

Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until its aromatic fragrance fills the kitchen.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Broth
• Heavy cream

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

As the sauce begins to thicken, add frozen peas and let them cook for the final few minutes.

• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Gently toss the pasta with the creamy sauce, keeping the skillet on low heat.

Allow the pasta to absorb the sauce for a few minutes, ensuring everything melds together beautifully.

Step 6: Prepare Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

In a separate skillet, toast panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until golden brown.

• Dried Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix in crushed crunchy onions for extra texture and crunch.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Top the pasta with the golden, crispy breadcrumb mixture.

For an extra protein boost, add rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp if desired.

Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal!

Expert Tips for Garlic Cream Bucatini

• Cook bucatini precisely to al dente to ensure a springy, chewy bite that holds sauce beautifully.
• Cook asparagus initially for 5 minutes, allowing it to remain slightly firm since it will continue simmering in the creamy sauce.
• Toast panko in olive oil with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for an irresistibly crunchy topping that adds texture and flavor.
• Let the sauce simmer and thicken slowly, allowing it to naturally cling to pasta, creating a silky, luxurious coating.
• Add rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp to transform this vegetable pasta into a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Swaps for Garlic Cream Bucatini

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken or shrimp with roasted cauliflower or crispy tofu for a protein-packed plant-based version that maintains the creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional bucatini with gluten-free pasta like chickpea or rice noodles, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs made from almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for the crispy topping.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, keeping the rich garlic cream sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping for a lighter, vegetable-forward meal.

Best Serving Ideas for Garlic Cream Bucatini

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this creamy pasta as a comforting main dish with loved ones gathered around the table, enjoying warm conversation and delicious flavors.
• Protein Power-Up: Add rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp directly into the pasta for a protein-packed meal that feels both elegant and satisfying.
• Crispy Topping Magic: Sprinkle the golden seasoned panko breadcrumbs generously over the pasta to create a delightful crunchy texture that elevates the entire dish's sensory experience.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the creamy garlic sauce with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which will beautifully balance the rich, velvety flavors of the bucatini.

Storing Garlic Cream Bucatini Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to prevent sticking. Stir gently and frequently to maintain sauce consistency and prevent burning.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Bucatini is ideal because its thick, hollow center helps capture the creamy sauce perfectly, but you can also use spaghetti or linguine as great alternatives.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the optional chicken or shrimp and consider adding roasted mushrooms or white beans for extra protein and texture.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thin?

Keep the heat low and let the sauce simmer gently. The cream and broth will naturally thicken as they reduce, creating a perfect coating for the pasta.

• Is it okay to use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen peas work wonderfully in this recipe and save you time on preparation. Just add them directly from the freezer into the sauce during the final cooking minutes.

Garlic Cream Bucatini with Peas and Asparagus Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Silky garlic cream bucatini dances with tender peas and crisp asparagus, creating a spring symphony on your plate. Creamy pasta lovers will swoon over this elegant Italian-inspired dish that brings seasonal freshness to your dining experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound (226 grams) bucatini pasta
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1.5 cups asparagus (ends trimmed and sliced diagonally)
• 1 heaping cup frozen peas

Aromatic and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic (grated)
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Lemon juice to taste
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Breadcrumbs (golden crispies)

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Instructions

1. Boil bucatini in salted water until perfectly al dente, following package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Heat butter in a spacious skillet over medium temperature until melted and bubbling.
3. Sauté asparagus for approximately 4-5 minutes, ensuring vibrant green color and slight tenderness.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and golden.
5. Pour vegetable broth and heavy cream into the skillet, reducing heat to create a gentle simmer.
6. Allow sauce to thicken gradually, then fold in frozen peas, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Enhance flavor profile by adding fresh lemon juice, zest, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
8. Gently incorporate cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure complete coating.
9. Maintain low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb sauce and develop deeper flavors.
10. For crispy topping, toast panko breadcrumbs in olive oil until golden brown.
11. Season breadcrumbs with Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
12. Garnish pasta with seasoned breadcrumbs and optional protein like rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp.

Notes

• Toast breadcrumbs carefully to prevent burning, watching the skillet closely and stirring frequently for even golden color.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, lower-fat version that maintains creamy texture.
• Swap frozen peas with fresh seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to customize the dish based on market availability.
• Add protein flexibility by incorporating rotisserie chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu for vegetarian options that complement the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg