Easy & Flavorful Pea Pesto Pasta for Any Weeknight Meal!

Pea Pesto Pasta is a delightful twist on the classic pesto dish.

It combines the sweetness of fresh peas with the earthy richness of basil, creating a light yet creamy pesto that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.

This pasta is an excellent option for anyone looking to incorporate more greens into their diet or try a healthier version of traditional pesto.

With the addition of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a splash of lemon, every bite of this dish is bursting with freshness and flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for a special occasion, Pea Pesto Pasta is a dish that will surely impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Pea Pesto Pasta

There are so many reasons to fall in love with Pea Pesto Pasta. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

The vibrant green sauce is not only beautiful but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the green peas and fresh basil.

This pasta is creamy without being heavy, and the peas add a subtle sweetness that’s perfectly balanced by the tang of lemon and the richness of Parmesan.

It’s a versatile recipe, too – you can use any pasta shape you like, making it perfect for both quick weeknight meals and more elaborate gatherings.

Plus, it’s a vegetarian-friendly dish that can be made vegan by swapping the cheese, making it a great option for everyone at the table.

What Makes Pea Pesto Different from Traditional Pesto?

Traditional pesto is made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil, creating a rich and nutty flavor.

What sets pea pesto apart is the addition of green peas, which provide a creamy texture and a mild, natural sweetness.

Peas offer a lighter, fresher alternative to the usual nuts found in pesto, making the sauce less oily while still being satisfying.

The peas not only enhance the flavor but also increase the dish’s nutritional value, as they are high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

The result is a pesto that’s creamy, vibrant, and equally delicious, with a slight twist on the traditional basil-based sauce.

Ingredients for Pea Pesto

To make this fresh and creamy pesto, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients, most of which are probably already in your kitchen. The key ingredients are:

• Green Peas – Fresh or frozen, these peas are the base of the pesto, adding natural sweetness and creaminess.
• Fresh Basil – This adds the classic flavor to your pesto, giving it that bright, herbaceous taste.
• Garlic – A touch of garlic gives depth to the flavor, balancing the sweetness of the peas.
• Parmesan Cheese – A traditional addition to pesto, Parmesan adds a nutty, savory note that complements the peas perfectly.
• Olive Oil – This helps to create a smooth, silky texture for the pesto while enriching the flavor.
• Lemon Juice – A squeeze of lemon brings a refreshing brightness and helps cut through the richness of the cheese and olive oil.
• Nuts (Optional) – Pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds can be added for a bit of crunch and a nuttier flavor.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste, ensuring the pesto is well-seasoned and balanced.

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the vibrant, creamy, and flavorful pesto that coats the pasta beautifully.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pea Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.

Make sure to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining, as you’ll use it later to help coat the pasta with the pesto.

Step 2: Prepare the Pea Pesto

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pea pesto. In a food processor, combine green peas, fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and lemon juice.

Pulse a few times to break everything down. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the processor is running until the pesto reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

If you like a bit of crunch, feel free to add a handful of pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds and pulse again until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine Pasta & Pesto

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, return it to the pot or place it in a large mixing bowl.

Add the pea pesto and toss the pasta well to ensure every piece is coated in the vibrant, creamy sauce.

If the pesto is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.

Step 4: Serve & Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving plates, and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, or crushed nuts if desired.

Serve immediately while it’s warm and enjoy the fresh, herbaceous flavors!

Tips for the Best Pea Pesto Pasta

Use Frozen Peas for Convenience – Frozen peas work just as well as fresh ones, and you don’t even need to thaw them before using.

Simply blanch them briefly in boiling water for about 2 minutes before adding to the food processor.

Adjust the Pesto Texture – If your pesto turns out too thick, add a little more olive oil or some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

On the other hand, if it’s too runny, add a few more peas or some additional Parmesan to thicken the sauce.

Make It Lighter – For a lighter, vegan version, simply substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese.

This will still give you a creamy texture with a nice cheesy flavor.

Add More Veggies – Want to add some more texture or nutrients? You can toss in some lightly sautéed veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach to the pasta before serving.

For a Protein Boost – Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas to make the dish heartier.

These pair wonderfully with the freshness of the pea pesto.

Make Ahead & Store – The pea pesto can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For an even quicker meal, prepare the pesto in advance and simply cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Serve Cold for a Pasta Salad – This pea pesto pasta is also delicious served cold, making it a perfect option for picnics or meal prepping.

Just let the pasta cool to room temperature after tossing with the pesto and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storing Leftovers

To store any leftover Pea Pesto Pasta, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For the best results, store the pesto and pasta separately if possible, as the sauce may thicken when chilled.

Reheating Leftovers

To reheat, you can either microwave or reheat on the stovetop:

Microwave: Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a small splash of water or olive oil to help loosen the pesto, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat.

Add a bit of reserved pasta water or olive oil to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.

Stir gently to coat the pasta with the pesto as it heats.

If you’re planning to freeze any leftovers, it’s best to freeze just the pesto (not the pasta), as pasta can become mushy when frozen.

Freeze the pesto in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Conclusion

Pea Pesto Pasta offers a refreshing and creamy alternative to traditional pesto pasta, with a vibrant green color and a sweet, herbaceous flavor that makes it a perfect choice for any occasion.

This dish is quick to make, full of fresh ingredients, and can be easily customized to suit your dietary preferences.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or a vegan-friendly dinner, this pasta is sure to impress.

The combination of green peas, basil, Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

So, next time you’re craving a fresh, creamy pasta dish, give Pea Pesto Pasta a try!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen peas for pea pesto?

Yes! Frozen peas work just as well as fresh ones.

Simply blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes before using them to make the pesto.

Can I make pea pesto pasta vegan?

Absolutely! You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or another dairy-free alternative to make the pesto vegan-friendly.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! You can use any type of pasta you like, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.

How long will the pesto last in the fridge?

The pea pesto will last in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

If you plan on making it ahead of time, it’s a great meal prep option!

Can I freeze pea pesto?

Yes! You can freeze the pea pesto for up to 3 months.

Just make sure to freeze it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and toss it with fresh pasta.