Pea Pasta with Mint, Truffle & Lemon
Why Make This Recipe
Pea Pasta with Mint, Truffle & Lemon is a delightfully fresh and vibrant dish. It’s perfect for warm weather and brings together the flavors of fresh peas, fragrant mint, and zesty lemon. The addition of truffle oil elevates the dish, giving it a gourmet touch without too much fuss. This recipe is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests.
How to Make Pea Pasta with Mint, Truffle & Lemon
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta
- 3-4 cups fresh peas
- 5 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 shallot, very finely diced
- 1 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1 cup chopped Italian parsley
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 lemons – zest and ¼ cup juice
- 2 cups fresh pea shoots, baby spinach, or arugula
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon white pepper (or black is OK)
- 1 tablespoon truffle oil – I prefer white
- Optional: goat cheese crumbles
Directions
- Boil pasta in a generous amount of salted water according to the package directions.
- During the last minute of cooking, if you plan to serve this warm as an entrée, add the peas to the pasta and lightly blanch them.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop the scallions, shallots, and herbs. Zest the lemons and measure out the lemon juice (you may need a bit more).
- Once the pasta is nearly done, add the peas to the boiling pasta water for one minute or until they turn bright green. Drain everything and transfer it to a large bowl.
- Drizzle the pasta and peas with olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss in the pea shoots (or your choice of greens), scallions, shallot, herbs, and lemon zest. Stir well to coat.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning – you may want to add more salt and lemon juice after a few minutes, as the pasta will absorb the seasoning.
- Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil and serve immediately.
How to Serve Pea Pasta with Mint, Truffle & Lemon
This dish can be served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it on its own or as a side dish. If you like, add some crumbled goat cheese on top for extra creaminess and flavor. Pair it with a light salad or a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
How to Store Pea Pasta with Mint, Truffle & Lemon
To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be good for about 2-3 days. If you’re reheating, add a splash of lemon juice and some olive oil to bring back the freshness.
Tips to Make Pea Pasta with Mint, Truffle & Lemon
- Use the freshest peas you can find for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the peas; they should remain bright green and slightly crisp.
- This dish is versatile; feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for extra nutrition.
Variation
For a heartier version, add cooked chicken or shrimp. You can also use different herbs like basil or dill to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh peas?
Yes, you can! Just add them to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking.
2. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Any pasta shape works, but smaller shapes like orecchiette or farfalle hold the sauce and peas well.
3. Is truffle oil necessary?
While truffle oil enhances the dish’s flavor, you can omit it if you don’t have it or prefer a lighter taste.
Pea Pasta with Mint, Truffle & Lemon
Ingredients
Method
- Boil pasta in a generous amount of salted water according to the package directions.
- During the last minute of cooking, if you plan to serve this warm as an entrée, add the peas to the pasta and lightly blanch them.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop the scallions, shallots, and herbs. Zest the lemons and measure out the lemon juice.
- Once the pasta is nearly done, add the peas to the boiling pasta water for one minute or until they turn bright green.
- Drain everything and transfer it to a large bowl.
- Drizzle the pasta and peas with olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss in the pea shoots, scallions, shallot, herbs, and lemon zest. Stir well to coat.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning – you may want to add more salt and lemon juice after a few minutes, as the pasta will absorb the seasoning.
- Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil and serve immediately.