Pea Ricotta Pasta Mint (Printable)

A bright dish combining peas, creamy ricotta, and mint for a fresh, satisfying meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or orecchiette
02 - Salt for pasta water

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 2/3 cups fresh or frozen peas
04 - 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
05 - Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon

→ Dairy

06 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve

→ Herbs & Seasonings

08 - 3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
09 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How to Prepare:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the peas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, slightly longer if using frozen peas, until bright and just tender.
04 - Add the drained pasta to the pan with the peas. Toss to combine.
05 - Remove from the heat. Stir in the ricotta, lemon zest, Parmesan, and half of the chopped mint. Add enough reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
06 - Season with salt and plenty of black pepper. Divide among plates and sprinkle with the remaining mint and extra Parmesan.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare with just 25 minutes total cooking time.
  • Features fresh, vibrant ingredients that highlight the flavors of spring.
  • Combines creamy ricotta and Parmesan for a luscious sauce without heaviness.
  • Mint adds a fragrant and refreshing twist to a classic pasta dish.
  • Suitable for vegetarians and adaptable for vegan and gluten-free diets.
02 -
  • Reserve pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency and maintain creaminess without adding extra fat.
  • Cook garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
  • Use fresh lemon zest to brighten the flavors and add a subtle citrus note.
  • Finish with freshly ground black pepper for a balanced seasoning.
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