Green Pesto Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a bright, fresh, and comforting meal, this Pesto Pasta with Peas and Green Beans is the perfect choice!

This dish combines tender pasta with a homemade basil pesto sauce, tossed with sweet peas and crisp green beans for a deliciously vibrant meal.

The pesto coats every bite with its herby, garlicky goodness, while the vegetables add a satisfying crunch and sweetness that balances the rich, nutty flavors of the sauce.

This pasta is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients from fresh ingredients. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers bold flavors and a stunning presentation.

Ingredients

To create this flavorful, veggie-packed pasta dish, you’ll need:

For the Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of half a lemon

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces penne or your preferred pasta
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (for adjusting the sauce)
• Extra grated parmesan, for serving
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make this vibrant and delicious pasta:

1. Make the Pesto:
   In a food processor, combine the basil, parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. Slowly stream in the olive oil while blending until smooth. Add salt, black pepper, and lemon juice, pulsing again to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and green beans to the boiling water to cook alongside the pasta.
3. Reserve Pasta Water & Drain:
   Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and vegetables and return them to the pot.
4. Toss with Pesto:
   Add the pesto to the warm pasta and toss to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
5. Serve & Garnish:
   Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and top with extra grated parmesan and freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy immediately!

Tweaks and Additions

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some creative variations:

• Creamy Twist:
  Stir in a tablespoon of mascarpone or ricotta cheese to make the sauce extra rich and velvety. Mascarpone brings a luscious creaminess, while ricotta adds a light, slightly tangy touch that pairs beautifully with the fresh basil pesto.
• Lemon Zest Boost:
  Add freshly grated lemon zest on top for an extra citrusy pop that enhances the basil’s freshness. The bright, zesty notes help cut through the richness of the sauce and bring a well-balanced, summery flavor.
• Spicy Kick:
  Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of chili oil for a touch of heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the peas. The gentle spice elevates the dish without overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.
• Nut-Free Alternative:
  Replace the pine nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for an allergy-friendly pesto option. These substitutes maintain the creamy, nutty texture of classic pesto while making the dish accessible for those with nut allergies.
• Roasted Garlic Depth:
  Swap the fresh garlic for roasted garlic in the pesto for a milder, caramelized flavor. Roasting the garlic enhances its natural sweetness, creating a more complex and mellow taste that melds perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Protein-Packed:
  Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas to turn this into a more substantial meal. The added protein makes the dish more filling while complementing the bright, herbaceous pesto sauce with its savory depth.
• Extra Greens:
  Mix in some baby spinach or arugula when tossing the pasta with the pesto for added nutrients and color. The leafy greens wilt slightly in the warm pasta, adding a boost of vitamins and a subtle peppery bite.

This Pesto Pasta with Peas and Green Beans is a simple yet stunning dish that brings together fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite.

It’s perfect for warm weather meals, quick weeknight dinners, or even as a make-ahead lunch. Light yet satisfying, this pasta dish is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection!