Strascinati con la Menta (Mint Pasta)

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8oz) strascinati pasta 250g (8.8oz) strascinati pasta
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste Black pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the strascinati pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh mint leaves, minced garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. 3.
   In a large pan, heat the mint sauce over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss until well coated with the mint sauce.
5. 5.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mint leaves — Ensure you use fresh mint leaves for the best flavor. Remove any tough stems before blending.
• Strascinati pasta — Cook the pasta until al dente to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the mint sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier taste, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the finished dish.
• Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to add variety to the recipe.
• If you don't have fresh mint, you can use dried mint, but reduce the quantity to 1 tablespoon.
• Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread to complement the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve Strascinati con la Menta hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a fresh green salad to add a refreshing contrast to the dish.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pasta with a few whole mint leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it in individual pasta bowls for an elegant touch.