Pasta with Pesto and Peas

Pasta with Pesto and Peas is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the nutty richness of homemade pesto with the sweet freshness of peas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

• Pasta (e.g., spaghetti or fusilli) - 200 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 50 grams
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Garlic - 1 clove
• Parmesan cheese, grated - 30 grams
• Olive oil - 60 milliliters
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Frozen peas - 100 grams
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto by combining basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor.
3. Blend the mixture while slowly adding olive oil until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In the last 2 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the frozen peas to the pot.
5. Once the pasta and peas are cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and then drain the rest.
6. Return the drained pasta and peas to the pot and add the pesto, mixing thoroughly. If the pesto is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach desired consistency.
7. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from basil, which may help reduce inflammation.
• High in fiber from peas, promoting digestive health.

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