A Taste of Spring: Dill and Pea Pesto Pasta

Enjoy a flavorful twist on classic pesto pasta with this vibrant Pea and Dill Pesto recipe. Fresh, vibrant, and perfect for a quick meal!"

I'm constantly whipping up different pesto recipes, but this pea pesto pasta is special, especially during springtime! The peas give the pesto this unique flavor that's just so fresh and vibrant.

What's great is it's perfect for folks who can't have nuts. And let me tell you, dill really adds this extra layer of yumminess to the mix, but if it's not your thing, you can switch it up. And for those of you steering clear of oil, no worries! Just swap it out for some broth instead. Easy peasy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta: This forms the base of the dish, providing a comforting and hearty element that pairs perfectly with the vibrant flavors of the pesto.
Peas: Whether fresh or frozen, peas add sweetness and vibrant green color to the pesto, enhancing its freshness and nutritional value.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the pesto with its aromatic and savory flavor, adding depth to the dish.
Extra-virgin olive oil: This high-quality oil serves as the base of the pesto, providing richness and a smooth texture while allowing the flavors of the other ingredients to shine.
Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast): Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the pesto, while nutritional yeast provides a savory depth for a vegan-friendly option.
Fresh dill: Chopped fresh dill lends a bright and herbaceous flavor to the pesto, complementing the sweetness of the peas and adding a refreshing touch.
Lemon: The juice of lemon adds a zesty and citrusy brightness to the pesto, balancing the richness of the oil and cheese.
Salt and pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish, bringing out the ingredients' natural flavors and ensuring a well-balanced taste.
Optional toppings: Additional Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or chopped fresh herbs can be used as garnishes to add flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences and the servings needed.

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Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Pea and Dill Pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine the peas, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth, adding a splash of pasta and cooking water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency—season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta and Pesto: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pea and dill pesto until evenly coated. You can thin the pesto with more pasta cooking water if it is too thick.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
Serve: Divide the pea and dill pesto pasta among serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Enjoy: Serve the Pea and Dill Pesto Pasta immediately, while it's still warm and flavorful. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Store: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Optional: Feel free to add some protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish even more filling and nutritious.