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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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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.
In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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.
Add the cooked pasta back into the pot and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with pine nuts and extra parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3206 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 182.9 g | 234% | |
| Saturated Fat | 44.7 g | 224% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 158 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 4619 mg | 201% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 296.5 g | 108% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.5 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.3 g | ||
| Protein | 97.2 g | 194% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1368 mg | 105% | |
| Iron | 19.9 mg | 111% | |
| Potassium | 2372 mg | 50% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
