Mint Pesto Pasta is a delightful twist on the classic basil pesto, incorporating fresh mint for a refreshing and aromatic flavor. Perfect for spring or summer, this dish makes use of seasonal ingredients like mint and peas, bringing a bright and vibrant touch to your table.
The star of this dish is mint leaves, which bring a cool, refreshing twist to the traditional pesto. Their unique aroma and flavor transform the dish into something special. Parmesan cheese adds a creamy texture and a savory depth, perfectly complementing the mint. Pine nuts provide a subtle nuttiness and a bit of crunch, while garlic gives a classic pungency that rounds out the flavors. The olive oil binds everything together, creating a smooth and rich sauce. Finally, the spring peas add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color, making the dish as visually appealing as it is tasty.
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. A crusty baguette can also be a great addition to mop up any leftover sauce.
First, get your pasta going. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's just al dente. You'll want a little bite to it since it'll continue to cook a bit when mixed with the sauce. Remember to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining the rest. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help you adjust the pesto sauce later on.
While the pasta is cooking, let's make the pesto. In a food processor, toss in the mint leaves, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Give it a few pulses until everything is finely chopped. It should look like a coarse paste. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. You’re aiming for a smooth, creamy consistency here. The aroma at this point is nothing short of heavenly! Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t hold back on the seasoning; it really makes the flavors pop.
Now, in a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with your freshly made mint pesto and the blanched peas. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated. If the pesto seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water. This helps the sauce bind to the pasta beautifully.
Dish it up immediately while it's warm, and if you like, garnish with extra parmesan cheese and some pine nuts for a bit of flair. Enjoy your refreshing Mint Pesto Pasta!
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