Stanley Tucci’s 6-Ingredient Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

Stanley Tucci’s 6-Ingredient Pea Pasta Salad is a brilliantly simple, fresh dish that combines tender pasta, sweet peas, and a handful of flavorful staples. This light yet satisfying salad is perfect as a quick lunch, a side dish for BBQs, or a make-ahead meal. With just six ingredients, it’s a great option for anyone who loves fuss-free recipes that still pack a punch.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

This salad proves that minimal ingredients can create maximum flavor. It’s fresh, vibrant, and surprisingly creamy thanks to the peas and Parmesan, while a touch of mint brightens the whole dish. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and requires no complicated steps—ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

What Is Stanley Tucci’s 6-Ingredient Pea Pasta Salad?

This recipe highlights the beauty of simplicity—just pasta, peas, Parmesan cheese, fresh mint, lemon juice, and olive oil come together to make a refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired salad. It reflects Stanley Tucci’s straightforward approach to cooking: quality ingredients, minimal fuss, and bold flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best 6-Ingredient Pea Pasta Salad

• Use fresh or frozen peas; if frozen, blanch briefly for the best texture and color.
• Choose small pasta shapes like shells or elbows that catch the peas and cheese well.
• Don’t skip the mint—its fresh aroma balances the creaminess perfectly.
• Add lemon zest along with juice for an extra citrus kick.
• Toss the salad while the pasta is still warm to help the flavors meld.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Peas for This Salad?

Yes! Just blanch frozen peas in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then cool quickly in ice water to keep their bright color and texture.

What Pasta Shape Works Best?

Small, bite-sized pasta like shells, elbows, or fusilli work best to hold the dressing and peas.

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Absolutely. It actually tastes better after resting in the fridge for an hour or two to let the flavors develop.

Is This Recipe Vegan?

No, it contains Parmesan cheese. To make it vegan, substitute with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

How to Store Stanley Tucci’s 6-Ingredient Pea Pasta Salad

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, allow it to come to room temperature before serving or add a drizzle of olive oil to refresh.

How to Freeze Stanley Tucci’s 6-Ingredient Pea Pasta Salad

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as peas and pasta can become mushy after thawing.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces small pasta (shells, elbows, or fusilli)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make Stanley Tucci’s 6-Ingredient Pea Pasta Salad