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Speedy Pea & Basil Pesto Pasta

15 min

Main

10 ingredients or less

If you are looking for a fast, filling, and nutritious dinner idea, you've found it here. The aromatic basil leaves and toasted pine nuts blended together make a delicious pesto that's used to give this pasta a wonderful creaminess.

Servings

Total

15 min

Prep

7 min

Cook

8 min

Contains

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tree nut

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gluten

Free from

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soy

Peanut symbol

peanut

Sesame symbol

sesame

Ingredients

  • 8.8 oz (250 g)
    dry linguine noodles
  • 1 tsp (5 mL)
    vegetable oil
  • 4
    garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp (10 mL)
    vegetable oil
  • 2
    medium shallots, diced
  • 2
    roasted red bell peppers from a jar, from a jar, diced
  • 1
    lemon, juiced
  • 1½ cups (218 g)
    fresh green peas
  • ½ cup (68 g)
    roasted pine nuts
  • 1 cup (24 g)
    fresh basil
  • 2 Tbsp (30 mL)
    olive oil
  • 1 pinch
    salt
  • 1 pinch
    ground black pepper
  • 2 cups (40 g)
    arugula

Optional toppings

  • fresh basil
  • roasted pine nuts
  • lemon slice

Directions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instruction in salted boiling water until al dente.
  2. Add the oil and garlic to a medium pan on high heat. Cook for 2 minutes, then transfer to a small food processor.
  3. To the now-empty pan, add the oil and shallots. Cook until golden, adding the bell peppers at the end just to heat through.
  4. Meanwhile, returning to the food processor, add in the lemon juice, peas, pine nuts, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until creamy.
  5. When the pasta is al dente, drain, and transfer it back to the empty pot. Add the shallot mixture and pea pesto to the pasta, and toss to combine.
  6. Plate with arugula, garnish, and enjoy!

Storage

  • Store the pasta and pea pesto separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Combine when ready to enjoy.

Let us know what you think

Watch it step-by-step!

Plate method

The Plate Method is a visual tool that helps us ensure our dietary needs are on track. Touch the image below to see how this recipe measures up.

Grains & Starches 40%

dry linguine noodles

Proteins 16%

fresh green peas

roasted pine nuts

Fruits & Veggies 44%

garlic clove

medium shallot

roasted red bell pepper from a jar

lemon

fresh basil

arugula

Calcium
No significant sources of calcium
Fat

vegetable oil

vegetable oil

roasted pine nuts

olive oil

Nutrition info

Focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. For specific nutrition needs due to a medical condition, consult a dietitian or physician. While we strive to provide accurate nutritional information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. See our disclaimer for details.

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More for the eyes

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Discussion & Rating

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Eva - Sept. 5, 2024, 8:05 p.m.

Loved it! Simple, yet so delicious! I added tofu for extra protein and topped it with nutritional yeast. Tasted divine!


Finnmom - May 25, 2024, 4:50 p.m.

How do you think this would work served cold?

PUL small logo PUL Team - May 25, 2024, 9:19 p.m.

Hey Finnmom, this recipe can be enjoyed warm or cold πŸ™Œ


Eva - March 8, 2024, 1:47 a.m.

Good recipe but I’m sorry to say, not my favorite. Could just be my taste but too much lemon in the pesto for me!


Angela - Feb. 21, 2024, 1:20 a.m.

I've made this dish so many times and every time it comes out great!


Kiernan - Jan. 31, 2024, 12:42 a.m.

Really good and surprisingly dense for such a light seeming dinner. We used chickpea pasta for extra protein and unsurprisingly this filled us up very quickly. The basil pesto is especially good!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 31, 2024, 6:10 a.m.

Chickpea pasta sounds lovely, Kiernan, thanks for taking the time to share your experience with the pasta πŸ™‚


Linda Fe - Jan. 22, 2024, 5:29 a.m.

Easy, delicious, and quick!


Laura - Aug. 23, 2023, 5:42 a.m.

It was so tasty! Added almond cream for the softness ⭐️ used frozen peas πŸ‘©β€πŸ³ my meat lover bf couldn’t understand from what the sauce was made πŸ˜„ but he said that the final result was really delicious 🀀

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 25, 2023, 7:50 a.m.

It means so much that the pasta was enjoyed, Laura!


Anna Z. - July 25, 2023, 7:14 p.m.

Just made this and was amazed by how easy yet delicious and nutritious it was. Perfect summer pasta recipe. Thank you! β˜€οΈ


Shubhangi Singh - July 11, 2023, 5:11 p.m.

Another great recipe!


Silke - June 14, 2023, 3:38 p.m.

I absolutly love that recipe😍😍😍


Laetitia M. - June 14, 2023, 8:26 a.m.


Anja - April 25, 2023, 4:09 a.m.

This pasta dish has so much flavor. Love it!


Grecia - April 24, 2023, 5:11 a.m.

My absolute favorite pesto pasta recipe! I’ve made these recipes many times. I love adding sun dried tomatoes if I’m out of red bell peppers or do both! And sometimes sprinkle vegan park on it! Try it, it’s My go to lunch prep in the spring time, takes me 30min to make which is alright by me.

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 24, 2023, 6:07 a.m.

Mmm sounds lovely, Grecia, thank you for sharing your experience with the recipe 😊


Rama - March 9, 2023, 6:42 p.m.

Very yummy


Alice - March 8, 2023, 3:01 p.m.

Speedy indeed. Also super yummy 🀀


Vanina Gabriela Salgado - Feb. 20, 2023, 8:14 p.m.

I made this with Cherry tomatoes instead of bell pepper, and absolutely loved it. Now is part of my regular food rotation. Thanks for all your amazing recipes. Love from Argentina

PUL small logo PUL Team - Feb. 21, 2023, 11:02 p.m.

Oh, so happy to hear, Vanina Gabriela Salgado! Lots of love to Argentina πŸ’›


Archana - Sept. 8, 2022, 11:55 p.m.

Absolute Favourite !! Made this recipe twice so far and loving it. The pea pesto is delicious and creamy. looking forward to more such simple yet tasty recipes.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Sept. 10, 2022, 12:59 a.m.

So glad it's being enjoyed, Archana, thank you!


Eline - Aug. 23, 2022, 10:07 a.m.

Delicious and indeed pretty quick and especially easy to make. I was in a rush so I had to replace the peppers with cherry tomatoes and that was great too. Next time I will try adding just a little water to the food processor. This one is going in the recipe rotation!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 23, 2022, 8:33 p.m.

A delicious substitute, Eline! We're so happy the pasta was enjoyed πŸ€—


Yasin - July 3, 2022, 7:25 p.m.

Absolutely incredible, have made this numerous numerous times and it never gets old. Sure as hell not a 15 minute recipe though lol but still manageable for sure. A+! 5*s!

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 4, 2022, 6:53 p.m.

Thank you for taking the time to share, Yasin! One key to the speed provided is to prep ingredients while others are cooking. This is what we were hoping to highlight in the way we structured the directions. We're so glad the pasta was still enjoyed and we'll be sure to note down the insight to help us improve πŸ˜ƒ


S - July 3, 2022, 4:16 p.m.

This was absolutely delicious! I am usually not a huge fan of paste since its flavour tends to overpower the dish but the balance between pesto, sundried tomatoes (what I had in my fridge) and the soy mince I added was just lovely. I'll definitely be making this again!

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 4, 2022, 6:43 p.m.

Oh so lovely to hear, S, thank you for the glowing review!


KD - June 15, 2022, 6:02 a.m.

I made this recipe once and it immediately went into my regular rotation! It's so tasty and simple, and everyone I have served it to loves it. I have made it countless times now. πŸ₯°πŸ™Œ It's hard to find the roasted peppers where I live, so I use sun dried tomatoes as a replacement and it is excellent. To make it even faster, I use pesto from a jar or sometimes just make it with a cheese, butter, oil sauce.

PUL small logo PUL Team - June 17, 2022, 6:32 a.m.

We're so happy the pasta is being enjoyed, KD, thanks for sharing the variations!


Erica - June 9, 2022, 7:08 p.m.

Absolutely SO easy and SO delicious. Cannot recommend this enough!!


Alice - May 22, 2022, 4:47 a.m.

I've made this recipe four times so far. It's simple and delicious! I use a blender instead of a food processor and add some water to help with blending and consistency. Pine nuts are very expensive and hard to find in my area, so I replace them with cashews or peanuts. I've seen sunflower seeds being suggested below so I'll try them next time. My mouth is watering just by typing this comment and looking at the pictures. I guess I have to make it again this week! xD

PUL small logo PUL Team - May 23, 2022, 4:38 p.m.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with the pasta, Alice, it's so appreciated! Enjoy πŸ˜ƒ


Emma - March 23, 2022, 3:30 p.m.

Due to an operation I recently had I can't cook at the moment. So I keep sending my mum your recipes. Ansd this one worked out really nice. Since wild garlic is in season, my mum suplemented part of the basil with wild garlic and it worked really well!
Your recipes are all really well written, simple to follow, nutricious and delicious!

PUL small logo PUL Team - March 24, 2022, 5:11 a.m.

We're so glad it's being enjoyed and your mum sounds so sweet! Wishing you a speedy recovery, Emma 😊


Angell - March 13, 2022, 7:33 p.m.

Made this today, it was awesome.

Next time I’m making more of the toasted pine nuts to have even more for garnishing. They were my favorite part.

All these recipes I’m trying of yours is inspiring me to grow a ton of herbs! Lol. Thanks for all you do

PUL small logo PUL Team - March 14, 2022, 2:34 a.m.

So glad it was enjoyed, Angell! Hehe we love the burst of flavour from fresh herbs and spices 😍


Rubi - Feb. 3, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

This looks so delicious! Could I replace arugula with spinach or is that a bad idea? I’m not a big fan of the taste of arugula

PUL small logo PUL Team - Feb. 4, 2022, 3:31 a.m.

Hey Rubi! You can use spinach instead of arugula if desired. Baby spinach may work nicely and you could wilt it separately based on your based preferences. We've heard positive reviews using watercress as well 😊


Agathe Fontaine - Jan. 9, 2022, 2:41 p.m.

I made this recipe for my brother, my parents and myself And we love it! Just for added benefit I split the amount of pine nuts and add walnuts instead ! i am a new vegan, and i was worried about the taste of the pesto without cheese but i was really surprised ! 😍

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 10, 2022, 2:52 a.m.

So nice of you to make it for everyone, Agathe! We're so glad it was enjoyed and wishing you all the best on your vegan journey πŸ₯°


Gicela - Dec. 3, 2021, 1:39 p.m.

This looks so yummy so I will have to try it :)
1. Can I use frozen peas?
2. Does the sauce freeze well?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 4, 2021, 1:09 a.m.

Hi Gicela, thanks for the questions! Frozen peas will work for sure with this one. We'd recommend thawing them before blending if possible for the best results. We haven't tested out freezing the sauce, although we imagine it would store well. Generally, pasta sauces freeze nicely in an airtight container for up to 2 months. You could let it thaw in the fridge or heat it up before enjoying 😊 We hope this helps for now!


Clara - Oct. 26, 2021, 1:58 p.m.

I really liked this recipe ! Quick and easy. I will definitely be doing this again :)


Cgal - Oct. 16, 2021, 5:11 a.m.

Delicious recipe.


Leonie - Oct. 4, 2021, 10:17 p.m.

I really liked it! Really a different type of pasta sauce than I am used to, but very delicious. Will make it again! :)

PUL small logo PUL Team - Oct. 6, 2021, 3:02 a.m.

So happy to hear, Leonie! We always appreciate feedback to help us improve moving forward if you have any 🌻


Sonia - Sept. 28, 2021, 2:10 p.m.

It looks delicious and I'd like to try it, but how can I substitute the bell peppers ? Can's stand the taste :(

Thank you!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Sept. 29, 2021, 7:04 p.m.

Thanks for the question, Sonia! You can substitute the pepper for drained sun-dried tomatoes. We hope you enjoy the recipe if you give it a try πŸ™‚


Alyssa - Sept. 27, 2021, 9:35 a.m.

Just got my Ninja food processor last week so I finaly got to try this recipe. I didn't have any pine nuts so I used casew instead and it turned out amazing! Me and my husband both loved it and it is quick to make, so I am sure we will be making it often in the future. Thank you so much, PUL team!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Sept. 27, 2021, 11:29 p.m.

So exciting about the food processor, Alyssa, and a lovely substitution! Thank you for sharing πŸ˜ƒ


Gesa - Sept. 16, 2021, 3:55 p.m.

This is the most interesting and unexpected pesto I have tried. It would never have come to my mind to toss green peas and baked bell pepper together with lots of lemon juice to make a pesto. And I never liked arugula before, but if fits so well with this dish. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Sept. 16, 2021, 5:07 p.m.

Oh, Gesa, this means so much! We're so happy the pasta was enjoyed 🀩


Sandra - Aug. 31, 2021, 11:07 a.m.

Can I omit the onions? I can't eat them. Or should I add somthing else?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Sept. 1, 2021, 2:44 a.m.

Hi there, Sandra! Feel free to omit the shallots if desired. Using chives or adding the top green part of green onions can also be added at the end of cooking to help mimic the shallot flavour πŸ€—


Clare - Aug. 24, 2021, 8:23 a.m.

So delicious! Any substitute recommendations for pine nuts? They are quite expensive where I live... :(

Dagmar - Aug. 27, 2021, 2:07 p.m.

Hey Clare, I'm not an expert but I think cashew would work really well, too.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 28, 2021, 4:02 p.m.

For sure! Cashews are great, and I think almonds and sunflower seeds as well. Or feel free to use a combination of these. I hope you enjoy it, Clare 😊


Trish - Aug. 7, 2021, 11:55 p.m.

This was so healthy, refreshing but also delicious and filling at the same time! We don't have a food processor so I did our best to mash the peas but it still turned out amazing and just as flavorful!


Brian - July 31, 2021, 3:07 a.m.

I made this recipe in an effort to break my mother-in-laws bad cycle of cereal for dinner and it worked. Not only did she love it but she had a second helping and that's a rare sight. She could not stop talking about how flavorful it was. Who knows, she might be inspired to make it for me one evening now that she has seen how easy it is to make.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 1, 2021, 8:59 a.m.

Aw we're so glad the pasta was enjoyed, Brian, thank you for sharing!


Catalin - July 11, 2021, 11:35 p.m.

First time me and my boyfriend tried it we could not stop talking about how unexpectedly flavorful it is! Amazing as always. Grazie!

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 17, 2021, 2 a.m.

We're so glad you both enjoyed the pasta, Catalin, it means so much :D


Sam - July 9, 2021, 2:41 a.m.

I literally make this pasta at least once every week. It is so easy and so delicious :)


Victoria - July 8, 2021, 9:48 p.m.

A lighter more protein packed version of traditional basil pesto. I would recommend drizzling some good olive oil on top when you serve to up the flavor.


Mackenzie B. - July 8, 2021, 7:42 p.m.

This is easily one of my go-to recipes. I have the recipe memorized by now! Who would have thought that adding peas to pesto would make for such a delicious meal!


Chelsea - July 8, 2021, 7:16 p.m.

One of my go-to meal-prep recipes that's taught me how to trust my taste buds when making the pesto! I have a lot of allergies so I've never had authentic pesto, but this version is so fresh and tasty~

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 10, 2021, 3:37 p.m.

We're so thrilled to hear you've been enjoying the pesto, Chelsea!


Sarah Dan - July 4, 2021, 7:39 p.m.

love love this recipe!
It's the second time I'm cooking it but this time instead of pine nuts I used what I had which was sunflower seeds.
delisuse!
thank you for showing us how to make nutrient, vegan and yummy food!

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 5, 2021, 12:18 a.m.

We're so glad you're enjoying the recipe, Sarah! Sunflower seeds are a great idea. Thank you βœ¨πŸ™‚


Cris S - June 27, 2021, 12:37 p.m.

This is delicious! I added fried tofu for extra protein and texture and it worked wonders!


Tashkin - May 30, 2021, 8:43 a.m.

Wonderful meal! Thank you so much for this quick, delicious recipe. I make it often as it’s so fresh and tasty. I just add pickled red & yellow peppers as I like the acidity. Great job πŸ‘πŸ»


Candice - May 12, 2021, 8:56 p.m.

I made this for supper this evening- used the sundried tomatoes instead of the peppers. My pesto didn't process smooth, but was still amazing.
I served mine with nutritional yeast flakes.
Thank you for a delicious dish

PUL small logo PUL Team - May 13, 2021, 6:53 a.m.

Oo nutritional yeast flakes are a lovely idea, Candice! Giving the pesto a bit of extra time in the food processor may help with the smoothness depending on how powerful yours is. We're so glad you enjoyed the recipe though πŸ˜ƒ


Nehalie Gunawardena - May 10, 2021, 4:13 p.m.

This was such a nice meal to make. I enjoyed making this recipe with my family and can't wait to make it again.

PUL small logo PUL Team - May 11, 2021, 5:19 a.m.

Aww so nice to make it with your family, Nehalie, and so glad the pasta was enjoyed :)


Anna - April 21, 2021, 10:06 p.m.

Such a delicious recipe! I've never believed there are so many delicious vegan meals - and above all, my partner also loves it! :D Thank you for this amazing website and all your work <3 Greetings from Prague!

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 22, 2021, 3:42 a.m.

So glad you and your partner enjoyed the pasta, Anna! We appreciate the kind words very much. Lot's of love to Prague ✨πŸ₯°


Dagmar - April 15, 2021, 9:41 a.m.

I made this for my non vegan boyfriend who looked at his plate very suspiciously; so much green and not a piece of chicken in sight? That can't be good.
I didn't hear him say anything for about 15 minutes other than "this is really tasty" and "how did you make this without cheese". He liked it very much. This recipe is definitely something you could serve to people who are used to eating meat.

I added oyster mushrooms because of their meat-like bite.

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 16, 2021, 10:58 p.m.

We are so happy to hear this, Dagmar! Oyster mushrooms are a lovely idea :D


Meabh Hayes - April 8, 2021, 2:06 a.m.

Made this with my housemate as we had both been wanting to try a good Pesteo recipe and it was absolutely delicious!! Super easy to make, looked just as good as in the picture and went back for seconds!!! Would definitely recommend. A tip I found was to use a morter and pestle went crushing up the garlic, salt, pine nuts and basil if you don't have a food processor. I only had a hand mixer and it wasn't until the larger items like peas were put in that I could use it because of the size of the blender head. My housemate was also super sceptical about the peas in the pesto mixture but was fully convincted by the end πŸ˜‹

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 8, 2021, 6:47 a.m.

Thank you for taking the time to share this with us, Meabh! Such an interesting idea to try a mortar and pestle. So glad your housemates and you enjoyed the pasta 🀩