Merken Pea & Mint Chicken Pasta is a vibrant, spring-inspired pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sweet peas, and fresh mint in a zesty lemon sauce. This meal brings a refreshing burst of color and flavor to your table, combining savory poultry with the bright notes of citrus and aromatic herbs for a light yet satisfying dinner.
Merken Whether you are hosting a spring gathering or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this Italian-inspired dish is as easy as it is delicious. By using simple ingredients like chicken breast and frozen peas, you can create a high-quality meal that feels sophisticated and fresh.
Ingredients
- 350 g (12 oz) penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 300 g), cut into bite-sized strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas, thawed
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Step 3
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the peas and cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 4
- Add lemon zest, juice, and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Step 5
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, add the cooked pasta, and toss everything together.
- Step 6
- Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and a glossy sauce forms. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 7
- Remove from heat and fold in the chopped mint and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and mint.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use a zester for the lemon to get fine pieces of zest without the bitter white pith. Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform strips so it cooks evenly. When creating the sauce, adding the butter and Parmesan over low heat helps create a smooth, glossy emulsion without clumping.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and substitute it with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. If you prefer a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of chili flakes for a gentle heat. This recipe also works well with other short pasta shapes like farfalle or rotini if penne is not available.
Serviervorschläge
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Serve it immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest, garnished with extra fresh mint leaves. It contains 480 calories per serving and is a complete meal on its own, but can also be served with a light side salad.
Merken This Pea & Mint Chicken Pasta is a testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients can create a truly memorable meal. Enjoy the bright, zesty flavors and the satisfying textures of this easy Italian-inspired favorite.
