Pea Pesto Pasta - Calories: 466, 21g protein - Serves 4

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Pea Pesto Pasta

Liven up your pasta dish with our light and budget-friendly pesto sauce. What’s the secret? Peas and walnuts stand in for the more expensive pine nuts. Combined with sweet basil and savory cheese, our creamy pea pesto sauce is a crowd favorite.

Pea Pesto Pasta

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound (8 ounces or 225 grams) dry 100% whole wheat pasta
• 3 cups (400 grams) frozen peas, defrosted
• 10-12 fresh basil leaves (save extra leaves for garnishing)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) walnuts + extra for garnish, toasted and cooled
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Save 2 cups of pasta water; some of this will be added back into the dish later—strain and set pasta aside.
2. Prepare an ice bath by filling a medium bowl halfway with water and ice cubes. Set aside.
3. Heat a medium pot halfway filled with water until the water boils. Blanch the peas for 2-3 minutes. Strain and immediately pour the peas into the ice bath (this prevents peas from overcooking and turning a yucky yellow-green).
4. Add 2 1/2 cups of peas (reserving 1/2 cup), basil leaves, garlic, walnuts, cheese, and salt into the food processor. Process for 2-3 minutes, drizzling in olive oil near the end. If needed, process for an additional minute until pesto reaches a smooth consistency.
5. Add pasta and pesto back into the pasta pot, and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of peas and pour 1/2 cup of pasta water (that you saved). Stir until pasta is well-coated with pesto. If the pesto is too thick for your taste, continue to add more of the pasta water, 1/2 cup at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan to serve.

NOTE: You can refrigerate leftover pasta water to revive leftover pesto pasta. Regular tap water will also work in a pinch!

Nutrition Information

Serves: 4 |  Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups (about 270 grams)

Per serving: Calories: 466; Total Fat: 20g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 8g; Cholesterol: 15mg; Sodium: 549mg; Carbohydrate: 54g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 21g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 28mg; Iron: 11%; Vitamin A: 45%; Vitamin C: 29%; Calcium: 22% 

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This recipe can be found in our recipes section of our blog.

Spoiler Warning

The information in this article is provided solely for informational purposes. This information is not medical advice and should not be relied upon when making medical decisions, or to diagnose or treat a health condition or illness. You should seek the advice of a physician or a medical professional before beginning any dietary programs or plans, exercise regimen, or any other fitness or wellness activities.

yakkystuff

Looks so vibrant & delish! Fixin to try it!