These Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas are a quick, flavorful, and healthy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Fresh sugar snap peas are sautéed until tender-crisp, then coated in a savory garlic butter sauce and topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 10 minutes, this simple recipe adds a burst of flavor and crunch to your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal prep.
- Crisp and flavorful – Garlic, butter, and Parmesan bring out the natural sweetness of the snap peas.
- Healthy and nutritious – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Versatile – Pairs well with almost any main dish, from chicken to steak.
- Kid-friendly – A great way to add veggies to your meal in a fun and flavorful way.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh sugar snap peas (trimmed)
- Unsalted butter or olive oil
- Garlic cloves (minced)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the sugar snap peas:
- Rinse the sugar snap peas under cold water and trim the ends if necessary.
- Sauté the garlic:
- In a large skillet, melt butter (or heat olive oil) over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let it burn).
- Cook the snap peas:
- Add the sugar snap peas to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
- Sauté for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re bright green and tender-crisp.
- Add Parmesan and seasonings:
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss until the cheese melts slightly and coats the peas evenly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional Parmesan, lemon zest, or fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a side dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Lemon Garlic Snap Peas: Add fresh lemon juice or zest for a citrusy twist.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh thyme, basil, or rosemary for extra herbal flavor.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Use shredded mozzarella or Asiago cheese for a different cheesy finish.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a bit of balsamic reduction over the top for added sweetness and depth.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds until heated through.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the snap peas will become soft when thawed.
FAQs
Do I need to remove the strings from sugar snap peas?
Most store-bought snap peas are stringless, but if they have strings, simply pull them off when trimming the ends.
Can I use frozen sugar snap peas?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
How do I keep the peas crisp?
Cook them quickly over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking to maintain their crunch.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
What’s the difference between snap peas and snow peas?
Sugar snap peas are rounder and sweeter, while snow peas are flatter and have a milder flavor.
Can I roast the sugar snap peas instead?
Yes! Toss with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, sugar snap peas are low in carbs, and the ingredients used are keto-friendly.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute if needed.
What can I serve with garlic Parmesan sugar snap peas?
They pair well with grilled chicken, steak, fish, or pasta dishes.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes, trim and prep the snap peas ahead of time, but cook them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
These Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas are the perfect side dish—quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether served alongside grilled meats, pasta, or as a simple snack, they offer a delicious combination of crunchy texture and savory goodness. Ready in minutes, they’re a great way to add more veggies to your meals without sacrificing taste!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas are crisp, tender, and coated in a savory garlic butter sauce with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. They make the perfect low-carb side dish or healthy snack that’s ready in minutes!
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) fresh sugar snap peas, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free version)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prep the Snap Peas:
- Rinse the sugar snap peas and trim the ends if needed. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
-
Cook the Peas:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the snap peas, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are bright green and tender-crisp.
-
Add Parmesan:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the peas. Toss until evenly coated.
-
Serve:
- Drizzle with lemon juice (if using) and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option.
- These are best served immediately but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.