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Penne with Pea Pesto

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Penne with Pea PestoRomulo Yanes

One of the things we love about pesto is its versatility: Peas can take on basil's traditional role without missing a beat.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    20 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

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

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook peas on the stove or in a microwave according to package directions, then drain well.

    Step 2

    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.

    Step 3

    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.

    Step 4

    Toss pasta with pea pesto and thin as desired with reserved cooking water. Season with freshly ground pepper.