A quick, bright, and comforting pasta dish featuring tender pasta tossed with basil pesto and sweet peas. It is simple enough for a weeknight meal but flavorful enough to feel special. Serve it as-is or finish with Parmesan, lemon zest, or toasted nuts for extra richness and texture.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed if possible
- 1/2 cup pesto store-bought or homemade
- 2 tbsp olive oil optional, for loosening the sauce
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Add the peas during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, just until heated through and bright green.
- Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and peas.
- Return the pasta and peas to the pot. Add the pesto and olive oil, then toss well to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm, topped with Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 18mg