There’s something wonderfully refreshing about a dish that tastes like the start of spring, and this Green Pea & Mint Pasta Primavera captures that feeling beautifully. With tender pasta tossed in a light, creamy sauce, sweet green peas, and fragrant fresh mint, this dish offers a vibrant balance of comfort and freshness. It’s quick to prepare, visually stunning, and deeply satisfying without being heavy.
The first time I made this, I puréed a small portion of the peas and folded it into the sauce — the result was a subtle sweetness and gorgeous pale green color. Adding a splash of lemon juice brightened everything, and the fresh mint made the whole dish feel lively. Whether served as a light dinner, a lunch, or an elegant side, this pasta primavera brings a refreshing burst of flavor that feels perfect for warmer days or whenever you crave something fresh and uplifting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Green Pea & Mint Pasta Primavera is light yet comforting, bright yet creamy. The sweetness of the peas blends beautifully with the cooling mint, while the pasta provides satisfying heartiness. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals. Its delicate flavor profile also pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or simply a crusty baguette. With its beautiful color and fresh aroma, it’s a dish that tastes as lovely as it looks.
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Green Pea & Mint Pasta Primavera: Fresh, Bright, and Perfect for Spring
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Green Pea & Mint Pasta Primavera is a bright, refreshing, and satisfying dish featuring tender pasta tossed with sweet green peas, fresh spring vegetables, creamy Parmesan, and vibrant mint. It’s light, colorful, and perfect for springtime or a fresh-feeling weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (farfalle, penne, or linguine)
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 small carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Add peas, asparagus, carrot, and zucchini during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, cooking 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta and veggies to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, mint, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil or extra mint before serving.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Use extra mint and lemon zest for a brighter, springier flavor.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for cream to lighten the dish.
- This pasta tastes great warm or at room temperature—perfect for picnics.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta
A short pasta such as farfalle, orecchiette, or penne works best, capturing the sauce in every curve.
Green Peas
Sweet and tender, fresh or frozen peas both work beautifully and bring vibrant color.
Fresh Mint
Adds refreshing, aromatic brightness that elevates the entire dish.
Garlic
Provides subtle depth and savory contrast to the sweet peas.
Olive Oil
Uses as the cooking fat for sautéing garlic and building flavor.
Parmesan Cheese
Creates a light, creamy coating when mixed with the pasta and peas.
Lemon Juice
Adds acidity to balance the sweetness and enhance freshness.
Heavy Cream (optional)
Adds richness and silkiness if you prefer a creamier primavera.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Butter
Adds flavor and helps emulsify the sauce.
Shallot or Onion (optional)
Adds mild sweetness and aromatic depth.
Directions
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot if using, cooking gently until fragrant. Stir in the green peas and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender and bright.
Add butter to the skillet, followed by a splash of pasta water. Stir to create a light sauce base. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
If using heavy cream, pour it in now and let the mixture warm through. Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet, tossing well to coat. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling.
Stir in chopped fresh mint just before serving to preserve its brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and an additional mint sprinkle on top.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking takes another 15 minutes. Total time: approximately 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cream to rehydrate the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the pasta and dull the mint flavor. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh herbs and delicate sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Lemon Ricotta Primavera
Fold ricotta into the sauce for a creamy, tangy finish.
Asparagus Spring Pasta
Add chopped asparagus during cooking for extra freshness.
Creamy Pesto Mint Pasta
Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto for deeper herb flavor.
Parmesan Broth Version
Swap cream for additional pasta water and Parmesan for a lighter sauce.
Grilled Chicken Addition
Add sliced grilled chicken for a heartier variation.
Spicy Pea Primavera
Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a gentle heat contrast.
Goat Cheese Crumbles
Add tangy goat cheese for a creamy, flavorful twist.
Spinach & Pea Combination
Stir in fresh spinach until wilted for added greens.
Herb Medley
Combine mint with basil, parsley, or chives for a layered herbal profile.
Vegan Option
Use olive oil only, skip cream and Parmesan, and use nutritional yeast for cheesiness.
FAQs
What is Pasta Primavera?
Pasta Primavera is a pasta dish featuring fresh vegetables and a light, flavorful sauce.
Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, frozen peas work perfectly and require no thawing.
Should I add mint early or late?
Add it at the end to preserve its bright flavor and color.
Can I make the dish dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil only and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta shapes hold the sauce and peas well.
Can I add protein?
Chicken, shrimp, or salmon pair wonderfully.
Is heavy cream necessary?
No, it’s optional; pasta water and Parmesan create a light sauce.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes, it makes an excellent chilled pasta salad.
How do I keep mint from browning?
Add it right before serving and store leftovers properly cooled.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just use a larger skillet and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Conclusion
This Green Pea & Mint Pasta Primavera is a bright, refreshing, and satisfying dish that brings seasonal flavor to your table with minimal effort. Its creamy-yet-light sauce, sweet peas, and fragrant mint create a harmonious balance that feels both comforting and revitalizing. Perfect for springtime meals or anytime you crave something fresh and simple, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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