Sweet Pea Pesto Pasta (Printable Version)
Sweet peas and basil blended with pine nuts create a fresh, flavorful sauce for tender pasta.
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
225 grams dried pasta, such as spaghetti or penne
→ Pesto
02 -
2 cups fresh sweet peas or frozen peas, thawed
03 -
1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
04 -
60 milliliters extra-virgin olive oil
05 -
60 grams grated Parmesan cheese
06 -
30 grams pine nuts or walnuts
07 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
Salt, to taste
09 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 -
Lemon juice, optional, to taste
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 milliliters of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
02 -
In a food processor, combine sweet peas, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if necessary to reach a creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning and add lemon juice if desired.
03 -
Transfer drained pasta to a large bowl. Add pesto and toss gently, adding reserved pasta water gradually to coat the pasta evenly until sauce is silky.
04 -
Divide among plates and garnish with extra Parmesan or basil if desired. Serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
For a more vibrant green color and fresher flavor, use fresh peas when in season.