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Spring Pea & Mint Pasta with Savory Bites


  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This delightful pasta dish combines the vibrant flavors of fresh spring peas and fragrant mint with savory bites, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch, it brings a touch of seasonal freshness to your table without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and achievable. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the bright tastes of spring in a comforting and family-friendly format that everyone will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound short pasta (such as orecchiette, penne, or farfalle)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas (thawed if frozen)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 1/2 cup cooked ham, finely diced (or other savory bite option)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • Instructions

    1. 1. Start the Pasta and Prepare Savory Bites: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C). Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface. Separate into the individual triangles. On the wider end of each triangle, place a small amount of diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese. Roll them up from the wide end to the point.

    2. 2. Bake the Savory Bites: Place the rolled crescent bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

    3. 3. Saute Aromatics: While the pasta and savory bites are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.

    4. 4. Add Garlic and Peas: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the fresh or thawed peas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they are heated through and vibrant green.

    5. 5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the peas and aromatics.

    6. 6. Finish the Dish: Add the chopped fresh mint, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce seems too dry, add a little more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

    7. 7. Serve and Enjoy: Divide the pasta among serving bowls and top each portion with a few of the warm savory crescent bites. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: stovetop and oven
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving

    Keywords: pasta, peas, mint, savory bites, crescent rolls, easy, quick, weeknight, spring, family-friendly