Go Back

Spring Pea Pasta

This vibrant pasta dish highlights the fleeting sweetness of fresh spring peas, cooked until tender and mashed into a bright, grassy sauce that clings to al dente spaghetti. Simple ingredients like garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs enhance the natural flavor and texture of the peas, creating a lively, seasonal meal with a fresh appearance. The final dish is glossy, green, and bursting with springtime freshness.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or tongs
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g spaghetti preferably al dente
  • 1 cup fresh peas or thawed frozen peas
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil good quality extra virgin
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice from about half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs mint or basil, chopped
  • to taste salt sea salt preferred
  • to taste black pepper freshly cracked

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and just golden.
  • Add the fresh peas to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are bright green and tender but still crisp.
  • Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the peas and garlic, stirring to combine. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and amplify the brightness.
  • Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the pea mixture. Toss everything together gently, letting the sauce coat the noodles evenly. Let it cook for another minute to meld the flavors.
  • Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed, then remove from heat.
  • Transfer the pasta to serving bowls, sprinkle with chopped herbs, and serve immediately while still warm. Finish with an extra squeeze of lemon if desired for added zing.