Peashoot Pesto Pasta Perfection
This pasta dish is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of spring. The peashoots add a fresh, peppery flavor, while the basil and pine nuts add a nutty, herbaceous flavor. The olive oil and garlic add a richness and depth of flavor that rounds out the dish. This dish is easy to make and can be served as a main course or a side dish.
The inspiration for this recipe came to me one day when I was walking through my local farmers market. I saw a bunch of fresh peashoots and basil, and I immediately thought of making a pesto. I had never made pesto with peashoots before, but I was intrigued by the idea of its peppery flavor. I also added some pine nuts to the pesto for a nutty flavor and some olive oil and garlic for richness. I tossed the pesto with some spaghetti squash that I had roasted earlier, and the result was a delicious and healthy pasta dish that was perfect for a spring meal.
Peashoot Pesto Pasta Perfection Peashoot Pesto Pasta Perfection Peashoot Pesto Pasta Perfection Peashoot Pesto Pasta Perfection
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 45 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 lb spaghetti squash
  • 1 cup peashoots
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup basil
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and rub with olive oil.
  3. Place squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes.
  4. Let squash cool slightly.
  5. Meanwhile, make the pesto by combining peashoots, basil, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper, and blending until smooth.
  6. Use a fork to scrape spaghetti squash into strands.
  7. Toss squash with pesto and serve.
Why It Works
  • The combination of peashoots, basil, and pine nuts creates a pesto that is flavorful and complex, with a good balance of peppery, herbaceous, and nutty flavors.
  • The olive oil and garlic add a richness and depth of flavor to the pesto.
  • The roasted spaghetti squash is a healthy and delicious base for the pesto, and its neutral flavor allows the pesto to shine through.
  • This dish is easy to make and can be served as a main course or a side dish.