Delightful Spring Pea and Mint Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Pea and Mint Pasta

Hey there, pasta lovers! Are you ready for a dish that’s as vibrant as springtime itself? This Pea and Mint Pasta recipe is a total game-changer. Forget those heavy, creamy sauces – this one is light, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a luscious lemon-mint sauce, with the sweet burst of peas in every bite. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to a sun-drenched Italian countryside (even if you’re stuck inside!).

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the simplicity, my friend! With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes. Plus, the bright, herbaceous flavors are incredibly refreshing and perfect for warmer weather. It’s the kind of dish that feels both incredibly indulgent and surprisingly healthy. You’ll love the bright, zesty taste, the satisfyingly creamy texture (thanks to the ricotta, or a splash of cream if you prefer!), and the way the fresh mint cuts through the richness. This pasta is so easy, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet sophisticated enough for a casual weekend gathering. Trust me, your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

Whether you’re craving a quick and satisfying meal after a long day, or you want to impress your friends with a simple yet elegant dish, this Pea and Mint Pasta is your new go-to. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly brightens your mood and leaves you feeling happy and satisfied. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• 12 oz pasta (penne or farfalle): Penne and farfalle are excellent choices because of their shape, which helps them hold the sauce beautifully. But feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shape!
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen peas: Fresh peas offer the best flavor, but frozen peas are a convenient alternative and work just as well. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them before adding them to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional): Ricotta adds a lovely creaminess to the sauce. If you’re avoiding dairy, a splash of heavy cream works wonderfully as a substitute, providing a similar richness.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A must-have for that classic Italian touch! Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor.
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped: Fresh mint is key to this recipe’s bright, refreshing flavor. Don’t skip this!
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon: The lemon zest and juice add a zingy brightness that perfectly complements the peas and mint.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the peas: While the pasta cooks, if you’re using frozen peas, thaw them completely. If using fresh peas, you can lightly blanch them for a minute or two in boiling water to brighten their color and maintain their texture. Set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mint and lemon zest, and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the mint, as this will create a bitter flavor. Tip: To preserve the bright green color of the mint, add it to the pan towards the end of cooking.
4. Combine everything: Add the cooked peas and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine. If using ricotta, stir it in now. If using cream, add it at the end for a smoother consistency.
5. Add the pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Add a little bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamier consistency. Tip: The pasta water adds starch, helping to emulsify the sauce and make it cling to the pasta.
6. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh mint leaves, if desired. Tip: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Some people prefer a more lemony flavor, while others might prefer more salt and pepper.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Pea and Mint Pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is crucial for the best texture. It should be cooked through but still have a slight firmness to the bite.
• Use fresh ingredients whenever possible: Fresh herbs and lemon zest make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your preference.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add other ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, or red pepper flakes, for extra flavor and texture.
• Serve immediately: This dish is best served fresh, while the pasta is still warm and the sauce is creamy.

Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Pea and Mint Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
• Vegetarian Pea and Mint Pasta (as is): This recipe is already vegetarian!
• Gluten-Free Pea and Mint Pasta: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Pea and Mint Pasta with Pancetta: For a richer flavor, add some crispy pancetta to the sauce.
• Pea and Mint Pasta with Burrata: Top the finished dish with creamy burrata cheese for an extra luxurious touch.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Pea and Mint Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water or pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make the pasta gummy. Freezing this pasta is not recommended, as the texture may be affected upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use dried peas instead of fresh or frozen? A: While you can use dried peas, they require a longer cooking time and may result in a slightly different texture and flavor. Soaking them overnight is recommended, and then boiling until tender before adding them to the sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: It’s best to make this recipe fresh, as the mint and lemon will lose some of their vibrancy if stored for too long. However, you can prepare the peas and the sauce components in advance and then assemble everything just before serving.

Q: What kind of pasta works best? A: Penne and farfalle are great choices, but you can use any short pasta shape you prefer. Just be sure to choose a pasta that will hold the sauce well.

Q: How long does the pasta last in the fridge? A: Stored properly in an airtight container, the leftover pasta will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

The Final Word

This delightful Pea and Mint Pasta is a testament to the magic of simple, fresh ingredients. The vibrant flavors and creamy texture will leave you wanting more! It’s the perfect weeknight meal or a delightful dish to impress your guests. Its quick preparation time makes it ideal for busy schedules, and its light and refreshing nature is ideal for warm weather. So, give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your delicious photos on social media. Happy cooking!

Pea and Mint Pasta

This vibrant pasta dish is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh, spring flavors. Perfect for a light weeknight dinner!

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Ingredients

  

• * 12 oz pasta penne or farfalle
• * 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen peas
• * 1/2 cup ricotta cheese or a splash of heavy cream
• * 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• * 2 tbsp fresh mint chopped
• * Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• * 2 tbsp olive oil
• * Salt
• * Black pepper

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peas and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. If using frozen peas, they may take slightly longer.
• Stir in the ricotta cheese (or cream) and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is slightly thickened.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped mint. Toss to combine.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh mint, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use whole milk ricotta. If you don’t have fresh mint, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried mint, but use it sparingly as the flavor is more concentrated. Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or zucchini to the skillet with the peas.

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