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Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe with Fresh Peas and Mint

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A light and creamy pasta dish featuring ricotta, lemon zest, fresh peas, and mint, perfect for spring and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) pasta (spaghetti or linguine recommended)
  • 1 cup (245g) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup (160g) fresh or thawed peas
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 quarts (3.8 liters) of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes). Save about 1 cup (240ml) of pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown). Add 1 cup (160g) fresh or thawed peas, sauté for 2 minutes until warmed through but still bright green.
  3. Zest and juice 1 large lemon. Chop about 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves finely.
  4. Add drained pasta to the skillet with peas. Toss to combine over low heat.
  5. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup (245g) ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and half the lemon juice. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time (about 1/2 cup or 120ml) to reach desired creamy consistency.
  6. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Toss in chopped mint and 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust lemon juice or seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and mint leaves.

Notes

Do not overcook peas; they should be tender but still have a snap. Add ricotta off the heat or on very low heat to prevent curdling. Use fresh lemon zest for best flavor. Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Fresh mint is preferred over dried herbs for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, spring pasta recipe, fresh peas pasta, mint pasta, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-lemon-ricotta-pasta-recipe-with-fresh-peas-and-mint-easy-and-perfect-for-spring/