Pesto Pasta with Peas is a super quick family dinner that’s ready in about 20 minutes. It has plant-based protein, lots of flavor, and is endlessly versatile Win!
Pesto Pasta with Peas
Okay, first things first: Yes, pesto is green. And yes, I know that sometimes is a no-go with kids. BUT it pairs so well with favorite foods like pasta that it has, in my experience, a high chance of being accepted by the kids.
It adds such a yummy flavor to this easy recipe that we make it all the time. I keep a stash of Spinach Pesto in my freezer (or you can simply buy pesto at the store) so I can make this for hot lunches for kids to send to school in a kids thermos or for easy meals to make at home.
We love having this pasta recipe for kids with peas for added protein and fiber, and also because we like the flavor. There are lots of other options, so see the Notes at the end of the recipe for all of the variations.
(You may also like Pasta with Pea Sauce, Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce, and Pesto Pasta Salad.
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
To make this easy pesto pasta with peas you’ll need to have the following ingredients on hand and ready to go.
- Pasta: You can use any variety or shape of pasta that you like here. We tend to make this with smaller shapes so it’s easy to eat with a spoon.
- Frozen peas: Frozen “petite peas” are usually less starchy and more pleasant to eat than larger ones, so that is my choice here if possible.
- Pesto: You can use homemade Spinach Pesto, Kale Pesto, or Avocado Pesto, or use basil pesto (or even vegan pesto) from the store.
- Parmesan: Grated or shredded Parmesan is a nice addition for more flavor before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the process for making pesto pasta with peas so you know what to expect from making this recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Place the frozen peas into the bottom of a colander. Drain the pasta, pour it right over the peas to thaw and warm them.
- Return the pasta and peas to the pot and stir in the pesto.
- Serve warm.
Alternatives to Peas
The beauty of this recipe is that you can use the pesto and the pasta and leave out the peas. You can sub in broccoli (toss it into the pasta water for the last 4 minutes while the pasta is cooking), diced zucchini (toss it into the pasta water for the last 2-3 minutes while the pasta is cooking, or leave out another veggie all together.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm through to serve.
Best Tips for Success
- Add in a handful of basil if you want, though we love this pesto without basil too.
- Add a few cups of diced and cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage if desired.
- Instead of peas, you can use broccoli (toss it into the pasta water for the last 4 minutes while the pasta is cooking), diced zucchini (toss it into the pasta water for the last 2-3 minutes while the pasta is cooking), or leave out another veggie all together.
- Use whichever pasta your family prefers.
- To make this dairy-free, use a vegan pesto.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you make it, so please comment below to share!
Spinach Pesto Pasta with Peas
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 4 cups lightly packed baby spinach
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1 whole lemon)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 2 cups frozen peas
Instructions
To make the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.
- Place the peas into the colander (still frozen) and drain the pasta over the peas. The peas will thaw almost instantly. Return to the pot.
To make the pesto:
- Toss with the pasta and serve with additional Parmesan cheese and enjoy warm.
Notes
- The pesto can be stored in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer in a zip top storage bag (pressed flat and with as much air removed as possible) for up to 3 months.
- This is enough sauce for a pound of pasta. Use a little less if your pasta package is smaller and store the leftovers for another day.
- To Use this Spinach Pesto as Pizza Sauce: Simply spread the pesto onto prepared pizza crust and prepare as you normally would with regular tomato-based sauce. For a full size pizza, about ½ cup of pesto is usually the right amount. Adjust as needed.
- Kale Pesto: Swap in baby kale or regular kale removed of the stems for the spinach. Make as directed.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese and consider adding an extra ¼ cup sunflower seeds. Add a little nutritional yeast for extra flavor if desired.
- Add in a handful of basil if you want, though we love this pesto without basil too.
- To freeze a batch for later, add 1 cup of pesto to a freezer bag, press the air out, flatten, and seal. Freeze for up to 2 months. It will quickly defrost at room temperature. (You can also break off a chunk and add it frozen right into whatever amount of pasta you make and as you stir it in, it will thaw.)
- Add a few cups of diced and cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage if desired.
- Instead of peas, you can use broccoli (toss it into the pasta water for the last 4 minutes while the pasta is cooking), diced zucchini (toss it into the pasta water for the last 2-3 minutes while the pasta is cooking), or leave out another veggie all together.
I love how quick and simple this is! The sunflower seeds overwhelmed the flavor and left a bit of an after taste for us. We will try again without the seeds.
Cant wait to make this! Which style pasta is shown in the above photo?
I made this for lunch today and thought it was good, but I think that for our tastes, I’ll definitely add some basil to the pesto next time and cut back on the lemon juice. I thought the spinach flavor was strong but not overpowering. Definitely worth trying again, especially as it was so easy to make!