Pea Ricotta Pasta with Mint (Printable)

A light pasta combining sweet peas, creamy ricotta, and fresh mint for a vibrant meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

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

→ Vegetables

03 - 1⅔ cups fresh or frozen peas
04 - 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
05 - Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon

→ Dairy

06 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
07 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

→ Herbs & Seasonings

08 - 1 small bunch fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
09 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Steps:

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 2–3 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 Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients for a bright springtime flavor.
  • Rich and creamy texture without heaviness, thanks to ricotta and a splash of pasta water.
  • Perfectly balanced with zesty lemon and aromatic mint.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and adaptable for vegan or gluten-free diets.
02 -
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a creamy yet light coating.
  • Use unwaxed lemons to ensure the zest is flavorful and free from chemicals.
  • Fresh mint works best, but frozen can be used in a pinch.
  • Cook peas until just tender to preserve their bright color and sweet flavor.
  • Add seasoning gradually and taste to balance the richness and freshness perfectly.
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