Gnocchi with Peas and Lemon Cream Sauce

One of my favorite activities these days is strolling through the farmers’ market near my office to see what goodies they have available. Especially once winter is over, it’s brimming with all manner of beautiful fruits and vegetables. During a recent visit, I picked up a package of fresh shelled peas, which led to this recipe for gnocchi with peas and lemon cream sauce.

The fresh peas were truly the starting point for this dish, but frozen ones should work just as well in a pinch. I boiled them separately, which should only take about a minute, and then plunged them in some ice water to help preserve their bright green color.

You could also use another type of pasta if you wish, but as soon as I saw the package of gnocchi in the grocery store, I knew it was meant to be. This dish is brought together by a simple cream sauce with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon to brighten it all up. And voila! You’re ready to eat.

Yield: 3 to 4 servings

Gnocchi with Peas and Lemon Cream Sauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

This recipe combines store-bought gnocchi and peas in a cheesy, lemony cream sauce that is sure to comfort your stomach and your soul.

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Ingredients

• Salt and pepper
• 125 grams (about 1 cup) peas, preferably fresh
• One 17.5-ounce package gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced, plus lemon wedges for serving
• Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt. Add the peas and cook until tender. Transfer the cooked peas to a bowl of ice water to cool; drain and reserve.
2. Cook the gnocchi in the same pot of boiling water until they float; drain and reserve.
3. Meanwhile, heat the heavy cream in a large pan over medium heat until slightly reduced. Stir in the cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, gnocchi, and peas; season with salt and pepper. Spoon the pasta into bowls and served with extra cheese, lemon wedges, and parsley, if desired.