Pea Ricotta Pasta Mint (Printable)

A fresh, creamy pasta highlighting peas, ricotta, and mint for a light flavorful dish.

# 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

# Directions:

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 Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
  • Fresh, seasonal ingredients that celebrate spring flavors
  • Creamy and satisfying without being heavy
  • Easy vegetarian main dish the whole family will enjoy
  • Minimal cleanup with just a pot and a pan
02 -
  • Always reserve pasta water before draining—it's liquid gold for creating silky sauces
  • Use high-quality ricotta for the best creamy texture and flavor
  • Chop mint just before using to keep it vibrant and aromatic
  • Toss everything off the heat to prevent the ricotta from separating
  • Don't be shy with the black pepper—it adds wonderful depth to the dish
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