Peas and Trees Pasta

Yes, it has a little kid name. Embrace your inner child with this yummy pasta, my friend.

This recipe is my number one, go-to for pretty much any type of eating occasion.

When I need a quick dinner, it is so easy to throw together! It can be served as a pasta salad for a picnic or as a vegetarian main dish for a dinner party. Basically, you can share it with everybody! Whee!

Peas and Trees Pasta

1 lb. box pasta (my favorite is bow-ties, but I've used so many shapes!)
2-3 heads of broccoli, cut into florets (trees)
1/2 bag frozen peas
4-6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Italian herb blend
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup grated Italian cheese
salt & pepper to taste

In your favorite soup pot, bring salted water to a boil. Follow package directions to cook pasta to al dente.
Meanwhile, in your favorite sauce pan, add the olive oil and start heating the oil on medium low. Once the oil is warm, add the garlic. The goal is to just infuse the oil, not really to brown (and definitely not burn) the garlic. After a few minutes, add the Italian herb blend, salt, and pepper. Let that infuse for another minute. Stir in the broccoli, then cover with a lid to steam. Once the broccoli is the texture you like (not too hard, but not too soft) stir in the peas. Cover again for another minute or two until the peas have warmed through.
Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Add the broccoli/ peas mixture. Add the cheese. You may need to drizzle a little extra olive oil. Top with an extra bit of grated cheese. YUM!

I've also added small cheese lumps, fresh spinach, and red pepper flakes to this recipe. All additions are fantastic. Go make some now!! Share it with the people you love!!

xoxo Sam