Spring Zucchini Pasta with Peas, Leeks & Watercress

Spring Zucchini Pasta with Peas, Leeks & Watercress

March 20. March 20. March 20. Say it with me, “March 20!!” March 20th is...

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March 20. March 20. March 20. Say it with me, “March 20!!”

March 20th is the first official day of spring and I think I speak for everyone when I say, “About time!!” It’s been a heck of a winter with snow storms, ice storms, wintry mixes and crazy fluctuations in temperature.

Well, what better way to countdown the beginning of spring than with a beautiful green bowl of spring pasta?

Spring Zucchini Pasta with Peas, Leeks & Watercress

To me, watercress screams springtime. Although it’s defined as a perennial plant, it’s at its peak flavor in the spring. It’s so delicate and has that rejuvenating herby taste. We can all use a little rejuvenation, right?

Peas are dainty and add more fresh flavor to accompany the zucchini noodles. Speaking of freshness, what better way to add nutritional benefits and that refreshed feeling than lemon juice? By squeezing a lemon over this pasta, it creates this garlic-lemon combination that brings out all the flavors in the other ingredients.

Spring Zucchini Pasta with Peas, Leeks & Watercress

The leeks bring us back to the horrid truth: it’s still winter! But, they have a light and mild taste that complements the rest of the ingredients well – and adds more green color.

Don’t forget the parmesan cheese! This is optional, but a tiny bit of cheese (a dusting, if you will) adds saltiness, some protein and more flavor to the pasta.

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Would it be overkill if we ate this with a green juice? I say no. You can never have too many greens! Like shoes.

What is your favorite part of the springtime?

Spring Zucchini Pasta with Peas, Leeks & Watercress

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tbsp of olive oil
  • 1 clove of garlic minced
  • 1 small pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup diced white onion
  • 1 leek stalk green tops removed and white bottoms sliced thinly (about 1/3-1/2 cup)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1.5 zucchinis Blade C
  • 1/2 cup packed watercress
  • 2 tbsp cooked green peas
  • 1/2 whole lemon
  • 1 tsp grated parmesan cheese to garnish

Instructions

  • Place a large skillet over medium heat and add in the olive oil. Then, add in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Let cook for 30 seconds and then add in the white onion and leeks. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 3 minutes or until leeks start to brown.
  • Then, add in the zucchini noodles and watercress. Toss frequently for about 3 minutes or until zucchini noodles have softened and warmed. When done, add in the peas and squeeze lemon over the skillet. Toss the pasta once more to combine and then plate into a bowl. Top with parmesan cheese and enjoy!

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Spring Zucchini Pasta with Peas, Leeks & Watercress

Spring Zucchini Pasta with Peas, Leeks & Watercress

Spring Zucchini Pasta with Peas, Leeks & Watercress

 

with love, Ali

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comments

  • This looks delicious :) I'll definitely have to try this. My favorite part about spring is finally being able to wear shorts and short sleeves again. I can't stand all the winter layers!
  • Looks wonderful! Can't wait to play and experiment with my new gadget. Fingers crossed it all works well tonight. If I have success I'll add it to my blog (http://jmpaleo.wordpress.com/). Since going Paleo, I have missed my PASTA! Planing on Mastering! Thanks for your info. Will be looking to add your cookbook too. is it on iBooks?
  • Looks Fantastic. Thanks for your blog! Look forward to many inspiring ideas! Opening my box tonight!
  • I made this for dinner tonight and holy freaking wow was it good!! Like lick the plate good! And the funny thing is that I (thought!) I don't like peas and I've never cooked with watercress before so this was pretty out of the box for me. So happy I gave it a chance!
  • To say that I cannot wait for spring is an UNDERSTATEMENT. But at least there are meals like these that will make me feel like it's happening soon!
  • this dish looks sooooo fabulous. . it's like all of my favorite things in one bowl! I have to say thank you for introducing me to my spiralizer! which one do you have b/c I'm not sure my blades are labeled. . I need to check!
  • I made this last night, and it was awesome! The only different thing I did was add bacon, I am so excited for the leftovers for lunch today. Thanks for all your delicious recipes!
  • How much linguini do you in the Springtime Linguini, Leeks and Peas recipe. It wasn't listed in the recipe.
    • There's no linguine in this recipe, it's zucchini noodles!
  • This really looks delicious! There are so many spring vegetables that come in my CSA bag.....when the growing season around here actually starts!.......that I can see using asparagus, pea shoots, baby spinach, scallions or so many other fresh goodies. I'm glad I caught the serving size though , hubby would be so sad if there wasn't enough for two.
  • This is definitely in my top 10 of all of Ali's recipes! So simple yet so good!
    • yay!! This is what we love to hear! Thanks, Emily!