The HalfHour Hero Speedy Springtime Pasta and Peas with Lemon Mint

Lemon Mint Quick Pasta Peas

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:18 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• pound (450g) dried pasta (Penne, Fusilli, or Orecchiette)
• Tablespoons (45 ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ½ cups (225g) frozen peas (do not thaw)
• ½ cup (120 ml) Low Sodium Vegetable or Chicken Broth
• large lemon (for zest and juice)
• ½ cup (120g) Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese or Mascarpone
• ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan Cheese, plus extra for serving
• ¼ cup (10g) loosely packed fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
• Salt, to taste (Start with 1 tsp)
• Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. While waiting, prep all ingredients: slice garlic, zest and juice the lemon, and chop the mint.
• Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions, subtracting 2 minutes from the recommended cooking time to ensure it is perfectly al dente.
• About 5 minutes before the pasta is done, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the sliced garlic gently until fragrant and just beginning to turn pale gold (about 1–2 minutes). Do not let the garlic brown.
• Add the frozen peas directly to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, then pour in the broth and the juice of half the lemon. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Before draining the pasta, scoop out and reserve about 1 cup (240ml) of the starchy pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta immediately.
• Reduce the heat under the skillet to low. Stir in the ricotta or mascarpone until it melts smoothly into the liquid, creating a light coating.
• Add the drained pasta and about ½ cup of the reserved starchy water to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 1–2 minutes over low heat until the sauce emulsifies and coats the pasta beautifully. Add more starchy water if the mixture seems too dry.
• Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan, all the lemon zest, and the fresh mint. Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper.
• Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with an extra drizzle of olive oil and more grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:1078 kcal

Protein:16.9 g

Fat:14.4 g

Carbs:44.5 g

Fiber:16.2 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:10405 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian

Unlocking the Magic of Minimalist Cooking: The Ultimate Quick Pasta and Peas

There’s a moment in every busy week when the thought of a complex, multi-step dinner sends a shiver down your spine. You crave something deeply satisfying, something that whispers of Comfort Dishes Pasta , yet requires barely any mental bandwidth. Enter the Quick Pasta and Peas . Often relegated to the realm of simple student fare, we are about to redefine this classic. This Quick Pasta and Peas Recipe harnesses the freshness of spring greens and creamy Italian staples to produce a dish that sings with flavour, despite its minimal effort. Forget fussy sauces; we are creating an elegant, emufied coating that clings beautifully to every piece of pasta, proving that speed doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality.

Why This Isn't Your Childhood Dinner: Elevating the Classic Dish

The foundational idea—pasta and peas—is beloved for its accessibility, making it an ideal choice for Picky Eaters Pasta . However, the version we are preparing today transcends basic boiled pasta tossed with frozen vegetables. We’re integrating bright acidity, fragrant herbs, and creamy richness, drawing inspiration from true Pasta and Peas Italian Style cooking where ingredients are allowed to shine individually.

The Weeknight Savior: Speed Meets Sophistication

If you are searching for Quick Weeknight Meals Pasta , this recipe should be bookmarked immediately. With a total cook time hovering around 25 to 28 minutes from start to finish, it slides easily into a demanding schedule. The sophisticated flavour profile comes not from long simmering, but from strategic layering of fresh elements like garlic, mint, and vibrant lemon zest, which elevate this Easy Pasta and Peas far beyond its humble ingredients list.

A Burst of Spring Flavor in Under 30 Minutes

The key to this vibrant taste is using quality frozen peas. They retain their bright green colour and sweet snap perfectly, even when cooked rapidly. When paired with aromatic elements, they create a light, almost ethereal flavour that screams of springtime, transforming a simple Pasta and Peas Dinner into something memorable. We are relying on high-impact, low-cook ingredients to achieve maximum deliciousness quickly.

The Secret Weapon: Why Lemon Zest Makes All the Difference

While salt and good olive oil are non-negotiable, the true star that cuts through the creaminess is lemon zest. We aren’t just adding juice; the fine grating of the zest releases volatile oils that provide a fragrant, sharp lift to the entire dish. This crucial step brightens the ricotta base and prevents the sauce from tasting heavy, ensuring every bite is lively.

Assembling Your Vibrant Pantry for This Quick Pasta and Peas Dish

Preparation is paramount when speed is the goal. Before the water even hits the stove, you should have everything measured, chopped, and ready to go. For this Simple Pasta and Peas , efficiency means ensuring your flavor foundations—garlic, herbs, and citrus—are prepped so you can focus entirely on timing the pasta and achieving that perfect, glossy sauce finish.

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Ingredient Deep Dive: Quality Over Quantity

Since the ingredient list is short—only about nine core components—the quality of each item profoundly impacts the final result.

The Core Components: Pasta, Peas, and Pantry Staples

Select a short pasta shape like penne or fusilli; these shapes are perfect for catching the creamy coating of our Simple Pasta and Peas White Sauce . We rely on quality extra virgin olive oil to sauté the aromatics and low-sodium broth to provide liquid for our emufication. The richness comes from whole milk ricotta, which melts beautifully, or mascarpone if you desire an even more decadent texture.

Aromatic Accents: Mint, Garlic, and Fresh Lemon

The fragrance of this dish is non-negotiable. Use freshly sliced garlic—never jarred!—sautéed gently until fragrant. Fresh mint is added right at the end, preserving its volatile oils and herbaceous punch. The lemon provides both juice for balance and zest for high notes. Remember, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential; pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth sauce.

Tools Required for Seamless Assembly

You'll need a large pot for the pasta and, critically, a wide, deep skillet large enough to hold all the cooked pasta later on. A Microplane grater is highly recommended for achieving the finest zest without scraping any bitter white pith, ensuring a pure citrus flavour profile throughout your Quick Pasta and Peas .

The Art of the Quick Pasta and Peas Execution: A Seamless Workflow

The magic of making this Easy Pasta and Peas successfully lies in synchronizing the pasta cooking with the sauce building. We want the pasta to finish cooking just as the sauce base is ready to receive it.

Phase 1: Perfecting the Pasta Al Dente

Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil and salt it heavily—it should genuinely taste like the sea. Add your pound of pasta and cook it for exactly two minutes less than the package directions suggest. This undercooking is vital because the pasta will finish cooking in the skillet, absorbing flavour as it firms up to a perfect al dente .

Introducing the Green Goodness: When to Add the Peas

While the pasta is chugging along, begin your sauce base. About five minutes before the pasta is done, heat your olive oil in the large skillet. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook slowly until fragrant and pale gold. Immediately toss in the frozen peas directly from the freezer. They will thaw and heat through quickly, retaining their structure and bright colour against the emerging golden garlic oil.

Building the Flavor Base: Sautéing Aromatics Gently

The key here is patience with the garlic. If the heat is too high, the garlic will brown rapidly, introducing a harsh, bitter note that ruins the delicate sweetness of the peas and mint. Keep the heat medium to medium-low, allowing the garlic to infuse the oil slowly before introducing the broth and lemon juice to create a thin, flavorful liquid.

The Grand Finale: Tossing and Finishing Off Heat

Once the pasta is drained (after reserving at least a cup of the starchy cooking liquid!), add it immediately to the skillet containing the peas and broth mixture. Turn the heat to low. Stir in your creamy element—the ricotta or mascarpone—followed by a splash of reserved starchy water. Toss vigorously. This agitation, combined with the starch, thickens the broth into a light sauce. Finally, remove the pan entirely from the heat source before folding in the grated Parmesan, fresh mint, and lemon zest. This ensures the cheese melts smoothly without seizing up.

Troubleshooting and Flavor Tweaking for Perfection

If your sauce looks too tight or dry after tossing, don't panic! That reserved starchy pasta water is your liquid insurance policy. Add it one tablespoon at a time, tossing constantly, until the sauce clings luxuriously. If the flavour feels flat, it almost always needs more salt, a final grind of black pepper, or a touch more fresh lemon juice to lift the brightness.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Variations on This Theme

While this recipe stands proudly as a fantastic Quick Pasta and Peas Dinner on its own, it serves as an excellent base for customization.

Storage Solutions for Leftover Speedy Pasta

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, remember that the sauce will tighten considerably. Always stir in a tablespoon or two of fresh water or milk while gently reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave to restore that creamy texture.

Boosting Protein: Smart Add-Ins for Heartier Meals

To transform this into a substantial main course, consider adding pre-cooked protein during the final tossing stage. Crispy diced pancetta or prosciutto, gently sautéed before the garlic goes in, adds wonderful salty depth. Alternatively, tossing in grilled shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully well with the lemon and mint.

When Your Sauce Needs More Zing: Acidity Adjustments

Sometimes, the richness of the ricotta needs a sharper counterbalance. If, after tasting, the dish still feels slightly heavy, a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice, added just before serving, will instantly brighten every flavour component. This small adjustment guarantees that your Simple Pasta and Peas White Sauce finishes with a clean, memorable zest.