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Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe with Fresh Peas and Mint

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A quick and easy pasta dish combining creamy ricotta, bright lemon, fresh peas, and mint for a light yet satisfying meal perfect for spring and summer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
  • 1 cup (240 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh peas, shelled (or thawed frozen peas)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Stir in 1 cup (150 g) fresh peas, cooking for 2-3 minutes until just tender and bright green. If using frozen peas, add them a minute longer to heat through.
  4. In a bowl, combine 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese, zest and juice of 1 large lemon, salt, and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet with peas and garlic. Toss gently to combine. Remove from heat and fold in the ricotta-lemon mixture, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce until silky and coating the pasta perfectly.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint and ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and mint leaves if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; al dente is best. Fold ricotta gently off the heat to prevent curdling. Use reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce without watering it down. Fresh lemon zest and mint add brightness that dried ingredients can’t match.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/creamy-lemon-ricotta-pasta-recipe-with-fresh-peas-and-mint-easy-and-delicious/