Spaghetti with Goat Cheese, Mint and Peas

Step 1

In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Stir in 2 tablespoons salt and the pasta, then cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Step 2

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, use a fork to mash ½ cup of the peas to a coarse puree. Add the goat cheese, lime zest and juice, oil, half of the chopped mint, ½ teaspoon salt and ¾ teaspoon pepper. Using the fork, continue to mash until well combined; set aside.

Step 3

To the drain pasta in the pot, add the goat cheese mixture, the remaining peas and ¾ cup of the reserved cooking water. Toss until evenly coated, adding more cooking water 1 tablespoon at a time as needed so the sauce is creamy and clings to the pasta. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with the remaining mint.