Simple Lemon and Pea Shoots Pasta
Bright, citrusy, and packed with fresh greens, this pasta is a celebration of spring flavors in every bite. A perfect weeknight meal that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes.
YIELD: 4 Servings
TIME: 25 minutes
Ingredients
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2 heaping handfuls Hardee Greens fresh pea shoots (tendrils, leaves—everything!)
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1 cup frozen peas
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¼ cup green onion tops, finely scissor-cut, plus more for garnish
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Zest of 1 large lemon
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¼ cup lemon juice
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⅓ cup + 3 tablespoons high quality extra virgin olive oil
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1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
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Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
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½ lb. farfalle pasta (or your favorite pasta)
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½ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
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Maldon sea salt or kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
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Prep the Pea Shoots: If your pea shoots are long, chop them into halves or thirds for easier eating. Set aside.
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Defrost the Peas: Place frozen peas on the counter to begin thawing while prepping the rest.
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Make the Sauce Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil (⅓ cup), parmesan cheese, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
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Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta and immediately toss it into the lemon-parmesan mixture along with the reserved pasta water. Stir well—the warmth of the pasta will melt the cheese and create a silky sauce.
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Sauté the Greens: In a large skillet, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pea shoots and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes. Add the thawed peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the shoots are wilted and tender.
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Finish the Dish: Add the sautéed pea mixture to the pasta bowl. Toss everything together until the sauce coats the pasta and greens evenly.
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Taste and Season: Add a pinch of Maldon sea salt or kosher salt if needed. Serve immediately, topped with extra parmesan and green onion tops.
Hardee Greens Tip:
Use freshly harvested pea shoots for maximum flavor and tenderness. Their sweet, grassy notes pair beautifully with bright lemon and creamy parmesan.
