Pea Pesto Pasta

There’s something magical about the combination of fresh ingredients and the joy of a homemade meal, and that’s exactly what you’ll experience with Pea Pesto Pasta. I remember the first time I attempted to create this dish; it was a sunny spring afternoon, and I wanted something light yet satisfying. The vibrant green of the peas and the aromatic basil filled my kitchen with delightful scents, making it impossible to resist. This dish quickly became a favorite and a go-to for gatherings, providing a burst of color and flavor that impresses any crowd.

Ingredients Required for Pea Pesto Pasta

The ingredients for Pea Pesto Pasta sing of spring, bringing together vibrant flavors and textures. This dish’s key players are fresh peas, aromatic basil, and zesty lemon, all of which contribute to its delightful and refreshing taste. Each ingredient complements the others, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.

• 350 g of fresh homemade pasta, or 300 g of linguine – This is the base of the dish, providing a hearty texture that supports the vibrant flavors of the pesto.
• 200 g of cleaned shrimps – A delightful addition that brings a touch of sweetness and protein, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
• 400 g of frozen peas – These are the star of the show, adding a burst of sweetness and a beautiful green color.
• Zest of 1 lemon – This brightens the dish, providing a fresh and zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the pasta and pesto.
• Juice of half a lemon – Similar to the zest, it adds acidity that elevates all the flavors.
• 2 garlic cloves – They provide a robust flavor that balances the sweetness of the peas and the richness of the pasta.
• 70 g of pine nuts – These add creaminess and a nutty flavor that complements the basil beautifully.
• Sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper – Essential for seasoning, bringing all the flavors together.
• 5 fresh basil leaves – They add a lovely aromatic quality that is essential to the pesto.
• 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil – This adds richness and helps to create a smooth pesto.

Directions for Pea Pesto Pasta

Getting started on Pea Pesto Pasta is easy and fun. Follow these steps to create a delectable dish that will impress anyone. It’s all about combining the ingredients in the right way to develop that luscious pesto and perfectly cooked pasta.

1. Begin by cooking the peas in a large pot of boiling water for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want them to be just tender but still bright green. Once done, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them from the pot and transfer them into a bowl filled with ice and cold water. This will stop the cooking process and help maintain their vibrant color.
2. After the peas have cooled, drain them and pat them dry with a paper towel. Set aside a handful of the peas for garnish. This little touch not only looks great but adds extra sweetness to your finished dish.
3. In a food processor, combine the cooled peas, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, pine nuts, basil leaves, and olive oil. Add a generous pinch of sea salt and black pepper to taste. Blend everything until smooth, scraping down the sides with a spatula halfway through to ensure everything gets well combined. This should take about 1 minute.
4. Now, return to the pot where you cooked the peas and add the pasta along with the cleaned shrimps. Sprinkle in about 1 tablespoon of salt. Allow this to cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the shrimps are cooked through. You’ll notice the shrimps turning a lovely pink color, which is a good sign they are ready!
5. Once the pasta and shrimps are cooked, reserve about 50 ml of the cooking water, then drain both the pasta and shrimps. It’s essential to keep that reserved water as it will help create a creamy consistency later.
6. Transfer the drained pasta and shrimps into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the pea pesto you prepared earlier, along with the reserved peas and a splash of the reserved cooking water. This helps to create that creamy result we’re aiming for. Mix everything well until the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Season to taste with additional sea salt and black pepper. It’s all about balancing the flavors, so don’t hesitate to taste and adjust!
8. Finally, divide the delicious Pea Pesto Pasta into four plates and garnish with the reserved peas. Serve immediately while it’s warm and fresh.
9. Enjoy your Pea Pesto Pasta with a side salad or some crusty bread, and savor the delightful flavors!

Recipe Notes about Pea Pesto Pasta

When preparing Pea Pesto Pasta, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind for the best results. Whether you’re storing leftovers or looking for serving ideas, these notes will guide you.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pesto separately for future use. Just thaw it in the fridge before mixing it with the pasta.
• Pairing: Serve with a light salad dressed with a vinaigrette to complement the flavors of the pasta.
• Variations: Feel free to add grilled chicken or sautéed vegetables for extra heartiness.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top before serving adds a lovely crunch!

Serving Options for Pea Pesto Pasta

Serving Pea Pesto Pasta can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

• Pair with a fresh salad: A crisp green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pesto beautifully.
• Serve with crusty bread: A slice of toasted baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining pesto sauce.
• Ideal for alfresco dining: This dish is perfect for outdoor gatherings during spring and summer, adding a touch of elegance to your picnic or barbecue.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch ahead of time for quick weeknight dinners – it’s great reheated!
• Celebrate seasonal produce: Enhance your serving by including seasonal veggies, like asparagus or cherry tomatoes, for a colorful plate.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Pea Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that captures the essence of spring with its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. It’s not only easy to prepare but also a nutritious choice that can be enjoyed on various occasions. I encourage you to try making this dish for your next meal; it’s sure to impress everyone at your table. You won’t be disappointed with the deliciously creamy result!

Pea Pesto Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Pea Pesto Pasta brings fresh peas and aromatic basil together in a creamy, zesty dish perfect for any occasion. This easy weeknight dinner is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a must-try for your next meal!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 12 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 350 g fresh homemade pasta
• 200 g shrimps
• 400 g frozen peas
• 1 zest lemon
• 0.5 juice lemon
• 2 cloves garlic
• 70 g pine nuts
• sea salt
• black pepper
• 5 leaves basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Mixing Bowl
• Blender
• Wooden Spoon
• Food Processor

Method

 

1. Cook the peas in a large pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes until just tender, then remove with a slotted spoon and transfer in a bowl with ice and cold water. Drain, pat dry and set a handful of peas aside for garnish.
2. In a food processor add cooked peas, lemon juice & zest, garlic, pine nuts, basil leaves, olive oil and a generous pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Blend until smooth for about 1 min, scraping down the edges with a spatula half-way through.
3. Add the pasta and shrimps into the pot where you previously cooked the peas. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and allow to cook for about 3-4 mins, until pasta is tender and the shrimps are cooked through.
4. Reserve 50ml of cooking water and drain both pasta and shrimps.
5. Transfer them into a bowl, stir through the pea pesto, reserved peas and a little bit of cooking water for a creamy result. Mix everything well, and add sea salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Divide the pasta into four plates and serve immediately.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the pesto separately for future use. Just thaw it in the fridge before mixing it with the pasta.
• Tip 3: Serve with a light salad dressed with a vinaigrette to complement the flavors of the pasta.
• Tip 4: Feel free to add grilled chicken or sautéed vegetables for extra heartiness.
• Tip 5: A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top before serving adds a lovely crunch!

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Meet Fiona Lewis

I love cooking with the seasons and keeping things rustic and real. I believe the best meals are the ones shared with friends and family. I had so much fun creating this recipe, and I can't wait to hear what you think of it!