Penne with Pea Pesto
Posted on 20 August 2008 by joy
Pest can be anything you want it to be. Of course there’s the traditional basil pesto, but did you also know that there’s other crazy pestos like mushroom pesto, walnut pesto and pumpkin seed pesto. It seems like if you can throw it in a Cuisinart and emulsify it with Parmesan cheese than you can call it pesto.
This recipe for Pasta with Pea Pesto stood out. It’s amazing what you can do with a bag of frozen peas, some olive oil and pine nuts. Give this pea pesto a try, you might be surprised at what some peas can do to your pasta. Throw in a cooked, chopped chicken breast and lots of fresh grated Parmesan cheese and that’s one mighty fine dinner!
Penne with Pea Pesto
Gourmet July 2007
1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas
2 large garlic cloves
1/2 cup pine nuts (2 ounce)
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano plus additional for serving
1/3 cup olive oil
1 pound penne
Cook peas on the stove or in a microwave according to package directions, then drain well.
With food processor running, drop in garlic and finely chop. Turn off motor and add peas, nuts, cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, then process until finely chopped. With motor running, add oil, blending until incorporated.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pasta pot of boiling salted water (3 tablespoons salt for 6 quarts water) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta-cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander.
Toss pasta with pea pesto and thin as desired with reserved cooking water. Season with freshly ground pepper.
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Tags | dinner, easy dinner recipe, family dinner, healthy dinner recipe
