Peas, Courgette, and Ricotta Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and comes together effortlessly, the Peas, Courgette, and Ricotta Skillet Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful combination of sweet peas, tender courgette, and creamy ricotta creates a harmony of textures and tastes that feels both light and satisfying. Perfect as a side or even a main for a cozy dinner, this recipe is all about celebrating simple ingredients elevating each other to something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, creaminess, and brightness, ensuring a colorful and flavorful dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

• 1 Tbsp butter: Adds a silky, rich base that enhances the gentle sweetness of the vegetables.
• 1 Tbsp olive oil: Provides a fruity undertone and keeps the sauté light and fresh.
• 1 onion, finely diced: Offers subtle sweetness and depth when cooked until translucent.
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Brings a gentle kick of savoriness that complements the courgette perfectly.
• 2 courgette, diced: Fresh and tender, they add great texture and a mild flavor that balances the dish.
• 500g frozen peas, thawed: Sweet and poppy, peas bring a vibrant green color and juicy bursts in every bite.
• Zest of 1 lemon: Infuses bright citrus notes that elevate the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, dreamy finish that soothes and enriches the skillet’s texture.
• Fresh mint (optional): A sprinkle at the end to introduce a refreshing herbal lift.

How to Make Peas, Courgette, and Ricotta Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the onions gently

Begin by warming your large frying pan over gentle heat and adding the butter with olive oil. Toss in the finely diced onion and let it sweat slowly until it turns translucent and tender. This slow cooking pulls out the natural sweetness, creating the perfect flavor foundation for the dish.

Step 2: Add garlic and courgette

Next, introduce the thinly sliced garlic and diced courgette. Cook them slowly for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the courgette just starts to develop a slight golden hue. This step softens the courgette, ensuring it’s tender without losing its subtle bite and fresh taste.

Step 3: Stir in peas and lemon zest

Now, fold the thawed peas and lemon zest into the pan. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The peas’ natural sweetness plays beautifully against the tangy zest, creating layers of bright flavor that lift the entire dish.

Step 4: Finish and plate

Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the mixture onto a serving dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to add a zesty kick, then dollop ricotta cheese all over the skillet. The ricotta balances the citrus and vegetable flavors with its creamy softness. For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle with finely chopped mint, and get ready to serve.

How to Serve Peas, Courgette, and Ricotta Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh mint leaves or a little extra lemon zest on top add an inviting aroma and splash of color. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving can also enhance the silkiness while keeping the dish vibrant and luscious.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for soaking up every creamy, flavorful morsel, or alongside a simply grilled chicken breast or fish fillet to round out a balanced meal. It’s also a great vegetarian companion to quinoa or fluffy couscous for added substance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of flair, serve the Peas, Courgette, and Ricotta Skillet Recipe in individual small cast-iron skillets or colorful bowls. Layered over toasted sourdough or as a nutritious filling for warm flatbreads can transform the dish into an irresistible casual lunch or picnic treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, although the ricotta topping is best added fresh when reheating to keep that creamy texture intact.

Freezing

This dish does not freeze as well once ricotta has been added, as the cheese’s texture can change. However, you can freeze the sautéed peas and courgette mixture without ricotta for up to a month and add fresh ricotta when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the delicate vegetable texture. Add fresh ricotta and a squeeze of lemon after warming to revive the dish’s freshness and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh peas are fantastic when in season and bring an even sweeter, more vibrant flavor to the skillet. Just blanch them briefly before adding to ensure they stay tender and bright green.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

The main non-vegan ingredient here is ricotta cheese and butter. You can easily substitute these with vegan butter or olive oil and a plant-based ricotta alternative to keep the dish dairy-free and just as delicious.

Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers, asparagus tips, or baby spinach for extra color and nutrients. Just adjust cooking times so all vegetables are tender but not mushy.

How can I make this dish more filling?

Adding cooked grains like quinoa, rice, or small pasta shapes can transform this skillet into a satisfying main course. The creamy ricotta helps tie everything together beautifully.

What’s the best way to get the ricotta to spread evenly?

Use a spoon to dollop small blobs around the skillet, then gently press or swirl them in after plating to create creamy pockets throughout the dish without losing the rustic texture.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe the Peas, Courgette, and Ricotta Skillet Recipe is a shining example of how simplicity in the kitchen can lead to unforgettable meals. It’s fresh, quick, and effortlessly elegant — a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something wholesome and satisfying. Give it a try soon, and watch how these humble ingredients come alive on your table, bringing smiles with every bite.

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