Creamy Pea Watercress Pasta Recipes

Steps:

• Cook the pasta following packet instructions. Meanwhile, cook the peas and garlic in a separate pan of boiling salted water for 3-5 mins, until tender. Drain well, keeping some of the water.
• Put the peas, garlic and watercress in a food processor with 2 tbsp of the pasta cooking water. Whizz to a very rough purée.
• Return the pasta to the pan. Stir in the pea mixture, mascarpone, tarragon and lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper and serve with crusty bread.

Steps:

• Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add the peas and return to a boil. Turn off the heat. Add the watercress tops to the peas and cover the saucepan. Let sit for 5 minutes so that the watercress wilts.
• Drain the peas and watercress and transfer to a food processor. Add the butter, pepper and salt and process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Spoon into a serving dish and serve.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted to a boil. Meanwhile, cut sliced bacon crosswise into thin slivers, or slice pancetta into julienne. Add pasta to boiling water and cook to taste.
• While pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat, and add 2 tablespoons olive oil and the butter. Add bacon or pancetta and a sprinkling of pepper, and fry until golden and crisp. Immediately add frozen peas and stir for a minute or two. Add crème fraîche or heavy cream and chopped mint.
• Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and drain the pasta. Add pasta to the skillet and stir. Add lemon juice, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. The mixture should be thick; if desired, a splash of the pasta water may be added to the sauce to thin it slightly. Add Parmesan and stir to mix. If desired, serve with a green salad.

Steps:

• For the kids (serves 2): In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions; add peas 1 minute before end of cooking. Drain; return pasta and peas to pot.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, combine cream and chicken broth; simmer until thickened slightly, 7 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until melted.
• Add sauce to pasta and peas; toss to combine. Season with salt. Divide half the pasta among serving bowls; reserve remaining in pot for the adults.
• For the adults (serves 2): Toast pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat, shaking frequently, until golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Add to reserved pasta along with arugula; season with pepper. Toss to combine, and serve immediately.