Dr Mobeus
Lemon Herb Pasta with Peas
This is proof that cheap does not mean boring. Lemon and herbs turn the most basic store-cupboard ingredients into something that tastes like it came from a proper Italian kitchen. At 45p per portion it is cheaper than a packet of instant noodles but infinitely better. The secret is the pasta cooking water – it has starch in it that creates a silky sauce when you add it back in. Do not skip that step.
Total cost: £1.80 (£0.45 per portion) – Serves 4 people. Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 12 mins
Lemon Herb Pasta with Peas
Bright, fresh and on the table in 15 minutes. Lemon zest and herbs lift cheap store-cupboard ingredients into a proper dinner that costs under 50p a portion.
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta in plenty of salted boiling water according to the packet instructions. Add the frozen peas for the last 2 minutes of cooking time.
- Before draining, scoop out a mugful of the pasta cooking water and set it aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute - do not let it brown.
- Add the drained pasta and peas to the garlic oil. Toss well.
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss again until the pasta is coated in a light sauce.
- Serve topped with grated parmesan and plenty of black pepper.
Tips and Variations
Use whatever pasta shape you have – penne, fusilli and spaghetti all work. No parmesan? Any hard cheese or even a strong cheddar will do. Add chilli flakes if you want a kick. This dish is best eaten immediately – the lemon sauce does not keep well so only cook what you need.
Is it cheaper to make this from scratch? Use our Cook vs Buy Calculator to compare the real cost of homemade vs shop-bought.
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