Pasta Pesto and Peas
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant and creamy Pasta Pesto and Peas recipe, a perfect balance of convenience and gourmet flavor. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a luscious blend of basil pesto, parmesan cheese, and a touch of heavy cream, creating a silky sauce that clings to every bite. Sweet, tender peas add a pop of freshness and color, while a hint of garlic and the option of toasted pine nuts bring depth and texture to this irresistible dish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy nights or casual entertaining. Perfect as a main course or alongside a crisp green salad, this recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers seeking a creamy, herby twist on a classic.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 1 cup Frozen peas
- 1 cup Basil pesto
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup Heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 2
Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3
In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 4
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 5
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low and add the basil pesto, heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
Step 7
Add the cooked pasta back into the pot and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
Step 8
If the sauce is too thick, stir in small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 10
Serve immediately, garnished with pine nuts and extra parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (898.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3205.6 |
| Total Fat 182.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 44.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 157.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4618.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 296.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 21.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 21.3g | |
| Protein 97.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1367.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 19.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2372.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories