Green Pea Pasta With Mint Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s a vibrant twist on classic pasta, blending the fresh flavors of mint and peas with the comfort of a hearty dish. Plus, the simplicity and speed of whipping it up make it perfect for my busy lifestyle while still feeling gourmet.

The flavors of fresh mint, thawed green peas, and a hint of lemon, mingled with olive oil and Parmesan cheese, are vibrant in my Green Pea Pasta with Mint. This dish has a way of showcasing the sweetness of the peas, thanks to mint behaving like a complementary flavor, much as it would with ice cream or cake.

Pea pasta has three key ingredients not counting the machinery that makes the pasta. It—in addition to a little linguine or orzo—consists of thawed peas, fresh mint, and that other refreshing green thing, lots of olive oil.

Green Pea Pasta With Mint Recipe Ingredients

• Frozen Green Peas: Rich in fiber and protein, peas bring a sweet freshness to the dish.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Adds a refreshing, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with peas.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats, enhancing flavors and offering a smooth texture.
• Garlic: Infuses a pungent, savory depth, elevating the pasta’s overall taste profile.
• Lemon Juice: Offers a bright, tangy acidity that balances sweetness from the peas.

Green Pea Pasta With Mint Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 ounces (340 g) pasta of choice (e.g., spaghetti or linguine)
• 2 cups (300 g) frozen green peas, thawed
• 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh mint leaves, packed
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Green Pea Pasta With Mint Recipe

1. Get a big pot of salted water boiling. Cook the pasta in that water (go by any package instructions if you’re using dried pasta), and aim for al dente. That’s pasta that has a bit of a bite to it. You want it just short of fully cooked. Drain the pasta, and reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water before you drain it. Set the pasta aside.

2. In a food processor, blend the thawed green peas, fresh mint leaves, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

3. Blend the mixture until it is a smooth and evenly textured sauce. If the sauce is too thick, thin it to your liking with a little reserved pasta cooking water.

4. Put the pot containing the drained pasta back on low heat.

5. Drizzle the sauce made from green peas and mint over the pasta and stir very gently to bring the two together.

6. If the sauce is overly thick, slowly mix in a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

7. Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary.

8. Present the pasta as soon as it is ready on individual dishes, whether plates or bowls.

9. If preferred, you can garnish with fresh mint leaves and fresh lemon zest.

10. If you prefer, you can put more Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. Then dig into your Green Pea Pasta with Mint!

Green Pea Pasta With Mint Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Food processor
6. Spatula or wooden spoon
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Mixing/serving spoon
10. Serving plates or bowls

FAQ

• Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?Fresh peas can indeed be used in this dish. Just blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender before adding them to the recipe.
• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?Any lengthy pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, works beautifully, but you can definitely use your favorite pasta shape. Whole grain or gluten-free options can also be a good choice.
• Can I make this recipe vegan?Of course! You can switch out the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative to make this recipe suitable for vegans.
• How should I store leftovers?Any remnants can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge. They will be good for up to 3 days. When it is time to serve them again, reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding just enough water or broth to keep the sauce loose.
• Is it necessary to use mint in the recipe?Although mint lends an invigorating taste, you can skip it altogether if it’s not your thing. Fresh basil or parsley would make a nice substitute for this recipe and impart two different flavors.
• Can I add protein to the dish?Of course! To make the dish more substantial, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would all be excellent choices to add to the recipe.

Green Pea Pasta With Mint Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Pasta: Swap with any gluten-free pasta of choice for a gluten-free version.
Frozen green peas: If you don’t have these on hand, try fresh green peas or edamame for an entirely different flavor and appearance.

Substitute with: Fresh green peas or edamame.

Flavor change: Substantial but delicious.
Whole mint leaves: Substitute with whole basil leaves or parsley leaves.
Olive oil: Replace with avocado oil or grapeseed oil for a range of different flavors and nutritional characteristics.
Parmesan cheese: For a vegan option, substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast.

Pro Tips

1. Pasta Cooking Water Always reserve more pasta cooking water than you think you’ll need. It’s great for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later and adds a bit of starchy depth to the flavor.

2. Mint Preparation To get the most flavor from your mint, gently bruise the leaves before blending. This releases essential oils and enhances the herb’s aromatic profile.

3. Temperature Control Keep the heat low when combining pasta and sauce to prevent the mint from losing its vibrant color and fresh taste. High heat can cause the mint to turn a dull color.

4. Lemon Zest Grate the lemon zest directly over the pasta just before serving to ensure the oils released from the zest are fresh, adding a bright, citrusy aroma and enhancing the taste.

5. Balance Flavors Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning. A little extra lemon juice can brighten the flavors, while an additional pinch of salt can enhance the overall taste.