One-Pot Pasta with Mint

This one-pot pasta dish brings spring to your table with its vibrant combination of fresh peas, artichokes, lemon and mint. The beauty lies in its simplicity - no complex sauce needed, just perfectly cooked pasta transformed with bright ingredients and a light coating of cheese and butter. It's my go-to recipe when I want something elegant yet effortless during the warmer months.

I discovered this recipe during that awkward season between winter and spring when I was craving freshness but still needed something substantial. My family now requests it weekly once the first sunny days arrive, and guests always ask for the recipe assuming it's much more complicated than it actually is.

Ingredients

• Bucatini or spaghetti: Forms the foundation of this dish providing the perfect canvas for the fresh flavors
• Fresh or frozen peas: Add sweet pops of flavor and bright color making this truly feel like spring
• Marinated artichoke hearts: Deliver tangy complexity and meaty texture without added work
• Unsalted butter: Creates silky richness and helps the sauce cling to every strand of pasta
• Pecorino cheese: Provides sharp saltiness and creates the creamy coating when combined with pasta water
• Lemon juice: Brightens everything with essential acidity that balances the richness
• Fresh mint: Brings aromatic freshness and elevates this pasta from everyday to special
• Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor with essential oils that perfume the entire dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a generously salted large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta until perfectly al dente which typically takes 6 to 8 minutes but follow your package instructions for best results. The key here is properly salted water which should taste like the sea to season your pasta from within.

Add the Peas:

One minute before your pasta reaches doneness add the peas to the same pot. This timing ensures they cook just enough to become tender while maintaining their vibrant green color and slight sweetness. Before draining remember to reserve half a cup of starchy pasta water which is essential for creating your sauce.

Incorporate Artichokes:

Drain the pasta and peas in a colander then immediately add the artichoke hearts. Toss everything together while hot which helps the flavors meld. The residual heat will warm the artichokes without overcooking them preserving their delicate texture.

Create the Sauce:

Return everything to the still-warm pot and add the butter and Pecorino cheese. Toss continuously until the butter melts completely coating every strand. Then add your reserved pasta water and lemon juice continuing to toss vigorously. The starchy water combined with cheese creates a silky emulsion that clings perfectly to the pasta.

Finish and Serve:

Transfer to plates and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh mint lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper. This final flourish adds aromatic complexity bright color and that restaurant quality presentation that makes this simple dish feel special.

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I particularly love how the marinated artichokes add complexity without extra effort. The first time I made this for a spring gathering everyone assumed I'd spent hours in the kitchen when really I was enjoying cocktails with them most of the time. The dish has become my signature for casual entertaining.

Make-Ahead Options

While best enjoyed fresh this pasta can be prepared up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight. When ready to serve simply bring to room temperature or gently reheat with a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the texture. The mint should always be added just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and aroma.

Ingredient Substitutions

Pasta flexibility is one of this recipe's strengths. While bucatini offers a wonderful texture with its hollow center any long pasta works beautifully. For a gluten free option substitute rice noodles or chickpea pasta though you may need to adjust cooking times accordingly.

No Pecorino on hand? Parmesan makes an excellent substitute though slightly less sharp in flavor. For a dairy free version nutritional yeast combined with a tablespoon of olive oil creates a surprisingly similar effect.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile pasta shines as both a main dish or side. For a complete meal serve alongside a simple protein like grilled chicken or seared scallops. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes the perfect accompaniment.

For entertaining consider serving this pasta at room temperature as part of a spring buffet. The flavors actually intensify as it sits making it ideal for gatherings where timing can be unpredictable.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?

While the recipe recommends long pasta like bucatini or spaghetti, you can substitute other shapes like fettuccine, linguine or even shorter varieties like penne. Long pasta shapes work particularly well with the creamy sauce, allowing it to cling evenly to each strand.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

The dish is already vegetarian! Just ensure your Pecorino cheese uses vegetarian rennet if that's a concern. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil and use a plant-based parmesan alternative.

→ Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?

While best prepared fresh, you can prep certain elements ahead: measure ingredients, chop the mint, zest the lemon, and drain artichokes. The complete dish comes together in just 30 minutes, with most of that time being passive cooking.

→ What can I substitute for marinated artichoke hearts?

If artichoke hearts aren't available, try substituting with roasted asparagus pieces, sautéed zucchini, or even olives for a different but complementary flavor profile. The key is adding a savory element to balance the bright lemon and sweet peas.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to the pasta and warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave at 50% power with a damp paper towel covering the dish. Add fresh mint and lemon zest after reheating for the best flavor.

→ Can I add protein to this pasta dish?

Yes! This versatile dish pairs beautifully with added protein. Consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or flaked salmon. For vegetarian options, white beans or toasted pine nuts make excellent additions that complement the existing flavors.