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9 Spring-Inspired Pasta Recipes for Any Occasion 

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Gourmandize

© Beliphotos/Shutterstock

Spring Pea and Mint Pesto Pasta

This bright and herbaceous pasta dish is a refreshing twist on classic pesto. Sweet green peas and fresh mint come together in a creamy, vibrant sauce that clings perfectly to rotini pasta. It’s a quick and cheerful meal that tastes like the first sunny day of spring.

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 ½ cups frozen green peas, thawed
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves
  • ? cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ? cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ? cup olive oil (plus more if needed)
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: extra peas or crumbled feta for topping

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. In a food processor, combine peas, mint, basil, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, lemon juice, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped. While blending, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Add a bit more oil or reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the consistency.
  3. Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto in a large bowl. Add a splash of pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Serve warm or room temperature, topped with extra peas, crumbled feta, or more herbs if desired.

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