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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.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 300g pasta (any shape)
  • 150g frozen peas
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 30g parmesan or hard cheese, grated
  • salt and black pepper
  • fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Before draining, scoop out a mugful of the pasta cooking water and set it aside.
  3. 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.
  4. Add the drained pasta and peas to the garlic oil. Toss well.
  5. 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.
  6. Serve topped with grated parmesan and plenty of black pepper.