The Perfect Vegetable To Give A Rich, Creamy Pasta Sauce A Sweet Complement

Pasta night can signal easy, no-recipe dinners, as well as studiously considered culinary affairs, it's really as versatile as a meal can be. On the more meticulous end of the spectrum, the infinite possible combinations of noodle shapes, marinaras, alfredos, and pomodoros will all lead to equally different finishes, and that's even before you start considering plants and animal-based protein add-ins. And, just like you wouldn't want to smother your delicate but impressive homemade pasta in something like a rich cream sauce, certain vegetables will also just perform better than others in the dish.

Chowhound dug into the top possible produce pairings with Matthew Cutolo, chef at Gargiulo's Restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn. The New York City spot has been in operation since 1907. "Peas add a pop of natural sweetness and a bright, springy contrast to creamy sauces," Cutolo tells Chowhound exclusively. "Their tender texture and vibrant color help balance richness and add visual appeal." That's a pretty convenient pick, given that even celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay prefer frozen peas over fresh, so you can have a few cups at the ready almost any time.

For all of the vibrancy and pleasant sweetness that peas pack into their, well, pea-sized amount, they're still dainty little pearls, and they can get buried pretty easily. So, for cream sauces packing a punch, your veggies must be composed in kind. "Heavier, more assertive sauces like a blue cheese or gorgonzola-based cream sauce can overpower the subtle flavor of peas," Matthew Cutolo says. "In those cases, more robust vegetables like mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even roasted cauliflower tend to work better."

The basic concept here — what ingredients will stand up to the weight and composition of what sauces — apply whether you're ladling on a cream sauce, a tomato sauce or gravy, or even the lightest garlic butter sauce. The key is to strike the right harmony. "To choose the right vegetable pairing, think in terms of balance, if the sauce is rich and salty, reach for vegetables that bring sweetness, acidity, or a contrasting texture," Cutolo says.