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Fresh Spring Pea and Mint Pasta

fresh spring pea and mint pasta - featured image
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A light, fresh pasta dish combining sweet spring peas and fragrant mint, perfect for a quick and healthy meal that feels like a breath of spring on a plate.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or orecchiette)
  • 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh spring peas, shelled (frozen can be used)
  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, bring a small pot of water to boil. Blanch 1 ½ cups (225g) of fresh peas for 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve color.
  3. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the blanched peas to the skillet and toss gently, cooking for another 2 minutes to warm through.
  5. Toss in the drained pasta, ¼ cup finely chopped fresh mint, and the lemon zest. Pour in about ¼ cup (60ml) of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently to combine all flavors.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan over the pasta. Add salt and pepper to taste, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Toss once more until cheese melts slightly and coats the ingredients.
  7. Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with a few whole mint leaves and a light drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Salt pasta water generously for flavorful pasta. Blanch peas just until bright green to keep snap and sweetness. Avoid browning garlic to prevent bitterness. Use reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. Add mint at the end to preserve its fresh flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring pea pasta, mint pasta, light pasta recipe, healthy pasta, quick pasta, vegetarian pasta, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/fresh-spring-pea-and-mint-pasta-recipe-easy-healthy-light-meals/