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Best Spring Pesto Pasta with Peas

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A vibrant and easy spring pasta dish featuring fresh basil pesto and sweet peas, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 medium garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 12 oz pasta of your choice (linguine or fettuccine recommended)
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh peas
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Salt for pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. In the last 2 minutes, add 1 cup of frozen peas. Drain pasta and peas together, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, combine 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 garlic cloves in a food processor. Pulse to combine. With processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil until smooth and creamy. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Pulse again to mix. Add reserved pasta water if pesto is too thick.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained pasta and peas with the pesto until evenly coated. Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes if desired. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
  4. Serve immediately garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired. Keep warm up to 10 minutes or toss with olive oil if preparing ahead.

Notes

Toast pine nuts lightly for deeper flavor. Do not over-blend pesto to keep some texture. Reserve pasta water to loosen pesto sauce. Use fresh basil for best flavor. Add salt gradually due to Parmesan saltiness. Pesto can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring pesto pasta, peas pasta, easy pesto recipe, fresh basil pasta, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta, spring dinner idea

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