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Vegetarian, Busy evenings

Pasta with peas, mint and parmesan

Pasta with peas, mint and parmesan is a creamy pasta dish made without any cream, for 4 people, ready in 20 minutes, rated very easy, for about €1.40 per person. The trick is mashing some of the peas with butter to build a natural green sauce that coats the pasta.

Fifteen minutes flat for pasta with peas, mint and parmesan, a green and gentle dish everyone agrees on.

Pasta with peas, mint and parmesan
Total time
20 min
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€1.40
Calories per person
560 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Spring, Summer
The kids
They generally like it

This dish plays on a simple contrast, the mild sweetness of peas against the saltiness of parmesan, with mint adding an unexpected lift of freshness. The texture comes from mashing some of the peas with butter, a green cream with no cream or flour in sight, that coats the pasta without weighing it down. It looks light but actually fills you up, thanks to the parmesan and butter.

It is the kind of recipe you reach for on a rushed weeknight, when you want a hot dinner without using more than one pot. Kids generally like it because it is mild and not spicy, while adults enjoy the freshness from the mint and lemon. Mon Chou often suggests it in spring and summer, when frozen peas work just as well as fresh ones.

The ingredients

4 people

Pantry

  • Short pastaoften in the pantry 350 g
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Frozen foods

  • Frozen peas 300 g

Dairy

  • Butter 40 g
  • Grated parmesan 80 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Fresh mint 1 sprigs
  • Lemon 1

Allergens Gluten, Lactose

The step by step recipe

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta in it. 10 min

    Save a cup of cooking water before draining, it will help bind the sauce.

  2. Add the peas to the pot for the last three minutes of cooking. 3 min

    Frozen peas go straight into the boiling water, no need to thaw them first.

  3. Mash half the peas with a splash of cooking water and the butter in the bottom of a large bowl.

    This mash makes a natural green cream that coats the pasta.

  4. Drain the pasta and remaining peas, pour them into the bowl, and mix with the parmesan.

    Stir vigorously, the parmesan melts from the heat and the butter.

  5. Sprinkle with chopped mint, a little lemon zest, salt and pepper.

    Add the mint at the very last moment, it turns dark as soon as it cooks.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick a short pasta shape with ridges or twists, it holds onto the pea cream better than smooth, long noodles.
  • Don't let the pasta sit around after draining, mix everything while it's hot so the parmesan melts properly into the sauce.
  • Taste before adding more salt, the parmesan and the salted cooking water already bring a good amount of seasoning.

The variations

  • Swap the mint for basil if you don't have any on hand, the dish stays fresh and fragrant either way.
  • Add crispy bacon bits or diced ham for a heartier, non-vegetarian version.
  • For picky kids, mash a bit more of the peas to get a smoother sauce they tend to accept more easily.

What to serve it with

  • A green salad with lemon dressing
  • Crusty bread for mopping up sauce
  • A glass of sparkling water with lemon

Storage

This dish keeps for 2 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It doesn't freeze especially well since the pasta turns soft once thawed. Reheat it gently in a pan with a splash of water to bring the sauce back to life.

Questions about this dish

Can you use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, if you have fresh shelled peas, add them to the boiling water at the same point. Give them a few extra minutes of cooking depending on their size.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

It tastes best made right before serving, since the pea sauce loses some freshness as it sits. You can prep the ingredients ahead and assemble everything just before you eat.

What can replace the parmesan?

Another hard cheese like pecorino or a well aged comté works just as well. Avoid very soft cheeses, since they won't melt into the sauce the same way.

How do you make this dish more kid friendly?

Mash more of the peas for a smoother sauce, and chop the mint very finely or leave it out for sensitive palates. The flavor stays mild and familiar to most kids.

How long does it take to make pasta with peas, mint and parmesan?

Count 20 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “very easy”.

How many calories are in pasta with peas, mint and parmesan?

About 560 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does pasta with peas, mint and parmesan cost?

About €1.40 per serving, or €5.60 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains gluten, lactose. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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