Parmesan Linguini with Peas

If you’ve ever dreamed of eating warm, cheesy homemade Alfredo pasta without the guilt, you can wake up now because the recipe is here! The flavors of the salty Parmesan and the sweet peas mingle together perfectly and the sauce is rich and creamy without feeling heavy or too thick. This dish presents beautifully and comes together really quickly. It’s also simple to make – perfect for company or a weeknight meal!

Parmesan Linguini with Peas

Source: Emily Bites Original

Ingredients:
8 oz dry wheat linguini
1 c peas, fresh or frozen
1 ½ T light butter
2-3 T fresh lemon juice (I used about 2.5, the juice from one lemon)
½ c fat free half & half
½ t salt
½ t dried basil flakes
freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, separated

Directions:
1.    Boil a large pot of water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. About 2 minutes before the pasta is finished, add the peas to the boiling water as well. Drain together and set aside.
2.    In a small saucepan, melt the butter and then stir in the lemon juice. Add the half & half, salt, pepper, dried basil and most of the Parmesan (set a little aside to sprinkle on top of finished dish). Stir to combine and cook over low-medium heat for a few minutes to heat through.
3.    Combine pasta/peas mixture and sauce in a serving dish and toss until pasta is coated in sauce. Serve with reserved Parmesan sprinkled over the top.

Yields 4 (1 rounded cup) servings. Weight Watchers Points Plus:  9 per serving