Best 2 Quick Pea Pesto Side Dish Recipes

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Quick Pea Pesto Side Dish, a symphony of fresh peas, aromatic basil, and tangy lemon, all harmoniously combined to create a delectable accompaniment to your favorite main courses. This versatile recipe offers two delightful variations: a classic pea pesto and an innovative pea pesto with goat cheese. Both variations promise an explosion of flavors that will elevate your culinary experience.

The classic pea pesto captures the essence of simplicity, showcasing the natural sweetness of peas, the herbaceousness of basil, and the zesty kick of lemon. With its vibrant green hue, this pesto is a feast for the eyes and the palate.

The pea pesto with goat cheese takes the classic recipe to new heights, introducing a creamy, tangy element that adds depth and complexity. The smooth texture of the goat cheese perfectly complements the vibrant flavors of the pesto, creating a harmonious balance that will tantalize your taste buds.

Whether you prefer the purity of the classic pea pesto or the decadent indulgence of the pea pesto with goat cheese, both variations are culinary masterpieces that will transform your meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SWEET PEA PESTO PASTA

Sweet Pea Pesto Pasta image

Peas, spinach and basil blend into a no-cook creamy pesto pasta sauce. Add shrimp or chicken to make a main dish.

Provided by Del Monte

Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Del Monte

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 pound uncooked pasta
1 (15 ounce) can Del Monte® Sweet Peas, drained
1 cup packed fresh spinach leaves
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for optional topping
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup chopped walnuts
2 cloves garlic, peeled
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 Chopped fresh tomatoes

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 454.3 calories, Carbohydrate 66.4 g, Cholesterol 3.9 mg, Fat 14.7 g, Fiber 5.6 g, Protein 14.7 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 396.5 mg, Sugar 6.3 g

PENNE WITH PEA PESTO

Penne with Pea Pesto image

Categories Food Processor Garlic Pasta Side Vegetarian Quick & Easy Parmesan Pine Nut Pea Gourmet Pescatarian Peanut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

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

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.

Tips:

Use fresh peas for the best flavor. If frozen peas are all you have, thaw them completely before using.
Use a food processor to make the pesto. This will give you a smooth and creamy sauce.
Season the pesto to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Serve the pesto as a dip for vegetables, crackers, or bread.
You can also use the pesto as a sauce for pasta, chicken, or fish.
If you want to make a vegan version of the pesto, use olive oil instead of butter.

Conclusion:

Pea pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of ways. It's a great way to add some extra flavor and nutrition to your meals. The next time you're looking for a quick and easy side dish, give pea pesto a try.