Mint pea pasta is a refreshing dish that highlights the bright flavors of spring. With creamy goodness and a hint of herb, it makes for a delightful meal anyone can enjoy. Plus, it’s quick and easy!
This recipe solves busy weeknight dinner stress with quick prep, minimal cleanup, pantry-friendly ingredients, and a creamy mint pea sauce loved by kids.
Sometimes, I feel rushed during the week and need a meal that’s healthy but doesn’t consume my entire evening. This recipe solves that by getting dinner on the table in just 20 minutes.
Using frozen peas and nut-based pesto means you don’t have to fuss over fresh ingredients. You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a last-minute get-together on the weekend.
If you love cozy pasta dishes, try this Shaved Asparagus Noodles with Pesto for another tasty option!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fresh Flavor : The vibrant mint and sweet peas make this pasta dish feel light and refreshing. It’s like a burst of spring on your plate.
- Creamy Texture : Thanks to the nut-based pesto, this dish has a rich, creamy quality without relying on heavy ingredients, making it satisfying yet not overly indulgent.
- Quick to Prepare : With just 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s a lifesaver for those hectic nights when you need dinner fast.
- Convenient Storage : Any leftover pesto can easily be refrigerated for a couple of days, giving you a tasty option for another meal without extra effort.
Easy Creamy Mint Pea Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy spring pasta dish made with peas, mint, and a hint of garlic, perfect for a vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 150 g (5.3 oz) Green peas (frozen)
- Water
- Fresh mint leaves
- 30 g (1.1 oz) Extra virgin olive oil
- 15 g (0.5 oz) Pine nuts – or other nuts
- Garlic or garlic powder (a pinch)
- 2 servings Pasta
- Salt
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water and adding your chosen pasta. As it cooks, you will notice it becoming tender and fragrant. This step is crucial for getting that perfect bite. Watch carefully—overcooking can lead to mushy pasta that does not hold sauce well.
- Blend the Peas and Mint: After cooking the pasta, toss the peas and fresh mint into a food processor. Give it a whirl until it is smooth and vibrant. The fresh minty scent will fill your kitchen. Just keep an eye on the blending time; too little, and it will be chunky rather than creamy.
- Mix in Cream: Add cream to the blended mixture. Stir gently while heating it on low until it is warmed through and slightly thickened. Avoid boiling it to prevent separation, which can mess with that silky texture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Now, toss the cooked pasta into the creamy pea and mint sauce. You will see the beautiful green color enveloping the pasta. This step allows the flavors to mingle. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep it light and airy.
- Tweak with Pasta Water: If you find the dish too dry, slowly add some reserved pasta water until you are happy with the creaminess. You are aiming for a luscious consistency that coats each piece beautifully. Just be cautious with the amount; too much will make it soupy.
- Season and Serve: Finish up by sprinkling in salt and pepper to taste. The final dish should smell heavenly with a hint of mint and cream. It is best to taste test as you go to avoid over-seasoning, making sure it suits your palate just right.
Notes
- Store any leftover pesto in the fridge for no more than 2 days.
- If the pasta seems dry, gradually add pasta water until it reaches your desired level of creaminess.
- When blending the pesto, ensure it is smooth by mixing longer or adding a bit more olive oil.
- If fresh mint is unavailable, substituting with dried mint works well; just use less to prevent overpowering flavors.
- For added nutrition and convenience, frozen peas are a fantastic choice that saves time while still being healthy.
- If you need a quicker meal, starting with pre-cooked pasta can cut your overall cooking time significantly.
- Serve with a sprinkle of extra pine nuts on top.
- Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Top with grated vegan cheese if desired.
- You can add lemon zest for brightness.
- Incorporate arugula for a peppery flavor.
- Mix in roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
- For the best quality, choose fresh mint and bright green peas.
- If you are out of pine nuts, any preferred nuts can be used as a substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 servings
- Calories: null
- Sugar: null
- Sodium: null
- Fat: null
- Saturated Fat: null
- Unsaturated Fat: null
- Trans Fat: null
- Carbohydrates: null
- Fiber: null
- Protein: null
- Cholesterol: null
Recipe Tips
- If pasta seems dry, gradually add pasta water until it reaches your desired level of creaminess.
- When blending the pesto, ensure it’s smooth by mixing longer or adding a bit more olive oil.
- If fresh mint is unavailable, substituting with dried mint works well; just use less to prevent overpowering flavors.
- For added nutrition and convenience, frozen peas are a fantastic choice that saves time while still being healthy.
- If you need a quicker meal, starting with pre-cooked pasta can cut your overall cooking time significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with a sprinkle of extra pine nuts on top. Pair it with crusty bread to create a complete meal.
This dish could also feature in a spring salad or as a side to grilled chicken. It fits well with other pasta dishes or works as a filling for stuffed vegetables.
You may add grated vegan cheese on top if desired for additional flavor. A drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the dish before serving.
Recipe variations
- You can use fresh peas instead of frozen for a sweeter flavor. Alternatively, swap out the pasta for a whole grain variety for added nutrition.
- Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle heat.
- Either toss in some arugula for a peppery kick or mix in roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- If cooking for more servings, increase the pasta to 300 g and adjust the peas to 300 g for a satisfying meal. Check out my Garlic Shrimp Pizza for another great dish!
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your Easy Creamy Mint Pea Pasta fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep it sealed tightly.
Freezing: Place the pasta in a freezer bag, squeeze out air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of water to restore creaminess while warming.
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If you enjoyed this Spring Pasta with Peas Mint and Cream or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
