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Fresh Spring Pea and Mint Pasta with Creamy Parmesan

Fresh Spring Pea and Mint Pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta dish featuring fresh spring peas and mint in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for a light and refreshing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
  • 2 cups (about 300 g) fresh spring peas, shelled (or thawed frozen peas)
  • 1/3 cup (about 10 g) fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) pasta and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add 2 cups fresh shelled peas to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender but still bright green.
  4. Lower heat and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and lemon zest. Warm gently for 2 minutes.
  5. Gradually stir in 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until cheese melts and sauce thickens. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
  6. Add drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with sauce and peas. Add more pasta water by tablespoonfuls if needed to loosen sauce.
  7. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped fresh mint leaves. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Drizzle 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil over the top. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Cook sauce on low heat and add Parmesan gradually to prevent splitting. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Do not overcook peas to keep their bright color and snap. Add mint at the end to preserve its fresh flavor. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of water or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring pea pasta, mint pasta, creamy Parmesan pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta, fresh herbs pasta

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/fresh-spring-pea-and-mint-pasta-recipe-easy-creamy-parmesan-meal/