Spring Pea and Mint Pasta with Lemon Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick, vibrant pasta dish with fresh peas, aromatic mint, and bright lemon, perfect for a light spring dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup fresh peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped mint, 1 lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Toss to combine and add a splash of reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spring Pea and Mint Pasta with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spring Pea and Mint Pasta with Lemon Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spring Pea and Mint Pasta with Lemon Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spring Pea and Mint Pasta with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spring Pea and Mint Pasta with Lemon Zest?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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