Pea Pesto Pasta

Name: Pea Pesto Pasta
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean, European
Ingredients: 1/2 pound (8 ounces or 225 grams) dry 100% whole wheat pasta; 3 cups (400 grams) frozen peas, defrosted; 10-12 fresh basil leaves (save extra leaves for garnishing); 2 garlic cloves; 1/4 cup (30 grams) walnuts + extra for garnish, toasted and cooled; 3/4 cup (75 grams) finely grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water; 3 tablespoons olive oil

8 steps

Liven up your pasta dish with our light and budget-friendly pesto sauce. What's the secret? Peas and walnuts stand in for the more expensive pine nuts. Combined with sweet basil and savory cheese, our creamy pea pesto sauce is a crowd favorite.

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 08:02:16 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Great

Glycemic Index

Low

Nutrition per serving

Calories2002.5 kcal (100%)

Total Fat91.2 g (130%)

Carbs229.9 g (88%)

Sugars27.8 g (31%)

Protein86.1 g (172%)

Sodium2301.9 mg (115%)

Fiber41.2 g (147%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ingredients

0 servings

0.5 poundwhole wheat pasta

dry, 100%

3 cupsfrozen peas

defrosted

10fresh basil leaves

save extra leaves for garnishing

2garlic cloves

¼ cupwalnuts

extra for garnish, toasted and cooled

¾ cupparmesan cheese

finely grated

¼ teaspoonsalt

plus more for pasta water

3 tablespoonsolive oil

Instructions

Step 1

Cook pasta al dente according to package . Save 2 cups of pasta water; some of this will be added back into the dish later. Strain and set pasta aside.

Step 2

Prepare an ice bath by filling a medium bowl halfway with water and ice cubes. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat a medium pot halfway filled with water until water boils. Blanch the peas for 2-3 minutes. Strain and immediately pour the peas into the ice bath (this prevents peas from overcooking and turning a yucky yellow-green).

Step 4

Add 2 1/2 cups peas (reserving 1/2 cup), basil leaves, garlic, walnuts, cheese and salt into food processor. Process for 2-3 minutes, drizzling in olive oil near the end. If needed, process for an additional minute until pesto reaches a smooth consistency.

Step 5

Add pasta and pesto back into pasta pot, and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1/2 cup peas and pour 1/2 cup of pasta water (that you saved). Stir until pasta is well-coated with pesto. If the pesto is too thick for you taste continue to add more of the pasta water 1/2 cup at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 6

Garnish with fresh basil and grated parmesan to serve.

Step 7

NOTE You can refrigerate leftover pasta water to revive leftover pesto pasta. Regular tap water will also work in a pinch!

Step 8

Serves 4 | Serving Size 1 1/4 cups (about 270 grams)

View on blog.myfitnesspal.com

↑Support creators by visiting their site 😊