Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Peas and Mint
This zesty and creamy pasta dish combines the richness of Parmesan with the brightness of lemon, sweet peas, and fresh mint. It's a light yet flavorful meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta spaghetti, penne, or your choice
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Reserved pasta water about 1 cup
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the peas to the pot. Drain the pasta and peas, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned. Stir in the lemon zest and Parmesan cheese, slowly adding the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the drained pasta and peas to the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Stir in the lemon juice, fresh mint, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra mint and Parmesan.
Notes
- For added protein, serve with grilled chicken or shrimp. You can substitute mint with fresh basil for a different flavor profile.