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.