Pasta with Carrots and Peas in Tomato Herb Sauce
A vibrant pasta dish combining tender linguine with sweet carrots, bright peas, and aromatic herbs in a rich tomato paste sauce. The vegetables add natural sweetness and color, while Parmesan cheese provides savory depth. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying yet light. The pasta water helps create a silky sauce that coats every strand beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti pasta
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot carrot, peeled and diced
- kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 6 ounce tomato paste, canned
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ⅛ cup dried parsley
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawedfresh peas1:1vegetable
may need longer cooking time
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat and cook pasta to al dente, reserving at least 3 cups of pasta water when draining
- 2
Heat oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat and cook onion, garlic, carrots, salt, and pepper until tender, about 8 minutes
- 3
Add tomato paste and 1/2 cup hot pasta water, stirring to blend and create a sauce, adding more pasta water if necessary
- 4
Stir in Italian seasoning, basil and parsley
- 5
Gently fold in cooked pasta and peas, add Parmesan and additional pasta water as needed
- 6
Transfer to a platter and serve immediately
Tips
Reserve plenty of pasta water as it helps create a silky sauce that binds everything together perfectly
Thaw frozen peas beforehand so they heat through quickly without overcooking
Cook vegetables until truly tender for the best texture contrast with the pasta
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in sealed container
Can prep vegetables up to 1 day ahead, store covered in refrigerator
Serve immediately while hot with additional Parmesan if desired
Common Mistakes
Don't skip reserving pasta water or sauce won't come together properly
Don't overcook peas to maintain their bright color and texture
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, use triple the amount of fresh herbs and add them at the very end to preserve their bright flavor and color.
What if I don't have tomato paste?
You can substitute with marinara sauce, using about 1/2 cup, though the sauce will be thinner and less concentrated in flavor.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.