Go Back
+ servings
lemon pasta in a bowl with cherry tomatoes, peas and arugula
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Lemon Pasta Salad

Creamy Lemon Pasta with peas, arugula, and tomatoes is the perfect make ahead pasta dish. Enjoy it hot for dinner or cold as a refreshing side for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings.
Course: 4th of july, brunch, cookout recipes, dinner, entree, family dinners, lunch, Main Course, memorial day, party food, potluck, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: best summer salad, easy pasta salad, easy pasta salads, easy potluck salad, hot and cold pasta salad, lemon pasta, lemon pasta salad, make ahead pasta salad, party pasta salads, party salad, potluck salad, summer salad
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Juice and zest of 1 to 2 lemons
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 lb rotini pasta or preferred pasta shape
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
  • handful baby arugula
  • cherry tomatoes halved, amount to taste
  • frozen peas thawed, amount to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
  • Transfer the cooked pasta to a large serving bowl. Pour the lemon sauce over the pasta and toss until evenly coated.
  • Add the peas, tomatoes, and arugula, then gently mix everything together. Finish with the grated cheese and toss one final time.
  • Serve warm, or refrigerate until chilled. This pasta is just as delicious cold and makes a great make ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings.

Video