Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic favorite! Our Pesto Pasta Salad with Peas and Parmesan is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a vibrant side dish for your next gathering, this Italian-inspired recipe combines the creamy richness of pesto with the fresh crunch of peas and the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you'll wonder how something so delicious can be so easy to make. Dive into this recipe and discover the secret to a satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup peas, frozen or fresh
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. For most pasta shapes, this means cooking until the pasta is tender but still has a slight firmness when bitten.
- During the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, add the frozen or fresh peas directly to the boiling water with the pasta. This will allow the peas to cook and heat through while maintaining their bright green color and crisp texture.
- Once the pasta and peas are cooked, drain them in a colander, shaking off excess water. Do not rinse the pasta, as the residual warmth will help the pesto coat the pasta more effectively.
- Transfer the hot pasta and peas to a large mixing bowl. Add the pesto and gently toss to ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the herbal sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and peas. Gently mix to distribute the cheese throughout the dish.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan is already salty, so add salt cautiously.
- For best flavor, let the pasta salad sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a final gentle toss. If the salad seems dry, you can add a small amount of olive oil or a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate and enjoy chilled. The pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta will work, shapes like fusilli or farfalle hold onto the pesto beautifully, enhancing every bite with flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta to ensure it maintains a slight bite, which adds texture to your salad.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Peas: If using frozen peas, there's no need to thaw them beforehand; just toss them in during the last two minutes of cooking for a vibrant green color and fresh taste.
- Pesto Perfection: For an extra burst of flavor, consider making your own pesto using fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil. Store-bought pesto works well too, but homemade can take your dish to the next level.
- Cheese Choices: While Parmesan adds a lovely salty kick, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like feta or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together, making each bite even more delicious.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is delicious warm or chilled. If you’re serving it later, keep it refrigerated, and consider drizzling a little olive oil before serving to refresh the flavors.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the pesto over time.
- Garnish for Flair: Top with extra grated Parmesan or fresh basil leaves right before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 381kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
