Quick Pea Pesto Side Dish Recipes

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions.
• Meanwhile, place peas, spinach, basil, Parmesan, olive oil, walnuts, garlic and salt and pepper in a blender or food processor.
• Two minutes before pasta is done, ladle out 1/2 cup hot pasta cooking water and add to blender. Pulse until smooth, scraping sides and adding additional pasta water by the tablespoon, if needed.
• When pasta is done, drain lightly and return to pot. Add sauce and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese and tomatoes, if desired.

Steps:

• Cook peas on the stove or in a microwave according to package directions, then drain well.
• 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.
• 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.
• Toss pasta with pea pesto and thin as desired with reserved cooking water. Season with freshly ground pepper.