Pasta With Asparagus Peas Mint And Spinach Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a refreshing and vibrant celebration of spring flavors, combining the zesty punch of lemon with the sweet crunch of asparagus and peas. Plus, it’s quick to whip up and feels super gourmet with minimal effort—the ultimate win for a busy weeknight!

I relish the act of making meals that are as delicious as they are healthful, and my Pasta with Asparagus, Peas, Mint, and Spinach is just that. The fresh asparagus, bright peas, and spinach offer a generous serving of vitamins, while the olive oil and lemon juice provide a punch of healthful flavor and a delightful acidity.

Pasta With Asparagus Peas Mint And Spinach Recipe Ingredients

• Pasta: A carbohydrate-rich base that provides energy and texture to the dish.
• Asparagus: Offers fiber and vitamins, adding a fresh, earthy flavor.
• Peas: Rich in protein and fiber; sweet and vibrant addition.
• Spinach: Nutrient-dense green with iron and vitamins, contributing a mild taste.
• Mint Leaves: Aromatic herb that refreshes the palate with its cool, bright notes.
• Lemon: Adds a zesty flavor with vitamin C, enhancing freshness.

Pasta With Asparagus Peas Mint And Spinach Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 ounces pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

How to Make this Pasta With Asparagus Peas Mint And Spinach Recipe

1. Prepare the pasta in a large pot of rapidly boiling salted water according to package directions, cooking until al dente. Save 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid, then pour the pasta into a colander to drain.

2. In a large frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it smells wonderful.

3. The pieces of asparagus should be added to the skillet and cooked for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

4. Add the peas and cook for another 2 minutes until they are heated through.

5. Place the spinach leaves into the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until merely wilted.

6. Combine the pasta with the vegetables in the skillet.

7. Mix in the lemon zest, the juice of the lemon, and the minced mint leaves.

8. Add salt and pepper to taste to the pasta.

9. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.

10. Serve the pasta hot; if desired, garnish it with more Parmesan cheese.

Pasta With Asparagus Peas Mint And Spinach Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Measuring cup
4. Large frying pan (or skillet)
5. Spatula or cooking spoon
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Citrus zester or microplane
9. Juicer or reamer (optional)
10. Grater for Parmesan cheese

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?Certainly, you can use any shape of pasta you like, but fusilli or penne indeed do a particularly good job of holding the sauce and the ingredients.
• What if I don’t have fresh peas?Peas, which have been frozen, are a perfect substitute and can go directly into the pan without thawing.
• How do I adjust the recipe for a vegan diet?Simply omit the Parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free alternative to make the recipe vegan.
• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?The best way to enjoy this dish is fresh, but it can also be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for as long as 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop.
• What can I use instead of mint?If you don’t have mint, you can use basil or parsley as a substitute; however, the flavor will differ somewhat.
• How should I store leftovers?Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container and put in the refrigerator. They will remain safe to eat for up to 48 hours. If you want to eat that food again after 2 days, it must be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave before being served.
• Is it necessary to add lemon zest?Although lemon zest is not necessary, it adds bright and fresh flavors that really enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Pasta With Asparagus Peas Mint And Spinach Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you have a jar of pickled jalapeños in your refrigerator, pour some of them along with their juice into a blender. Blend the heck out of it, then push it through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl. You should have a couple of cups of jalapeño sauce. Add to it:

• 1 lb of softened cream cheese (or any soft cheese)

• 2 cups of shredded cheese (like jack)

• 2 cups of sour cream

• 1 big dollop of mayonnaise or más sour cream.
Replace olive oil with avocado oil or melted butter.
If you cannot get asparagus, try green beans or broccoli florets instead.
Substitute kale or Swiss chard for fresh spinach.
Replace fresh mint leaves with fresh basil or parsley.

Pro Tips

1. Utilize the Pasta Water The reserved pasta water is not just for adjusting consistency. Its starch content helps the sauce cling to the pasta, giving the dish a smoother texture. Add gradually to control the sauce thickness.

2. Garlic Infusion For enhanced flavor, allow the garlic to infuse with the olive oil by cooking it at a slightly lower temperature, being careful not to burn it, which will yield a bitter taste.

3. Asparagus Timing Adjust the cooking time for the asparagus based on thickness. Thinner stalks will require less time, while thicker ones need a bit more. This ensures the asparagus remains tender-crisp.

4. Freshness Factor Add the fresh mint leaves right before serving to preserve their delicate flavor and aroma. Overcooking mint can cause it to lose its freshness and become bitter.

5. Lemon Zest Efficiency When zesting the lemon, avoid the white pith beneath the peel, as it can introduce unwanted bitterness to the dish. Use just the bright yellow outer layer for a fresh, citrusy kick.