Description
A quick and easy fresh garlic scape pesto pasta featuring toasted pine nuts and bright lemon zest, perfect for a vibrant springtime meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup chopped fresh garlic scapes (about 6–8 scapes)
- 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
- Zest of 1 medium lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fusilli)
Instructions
- Toast the pine nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1/3 cup pine nuts and stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove immediately to a plate to cool.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine 1 cup chopped garlic scapes, cooled toasted pine nuts, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Pulse a few times to combine.
- Add olive oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth but slightly textured consistency. Scrape down the sides if needed.
- Season the pesto: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pulse a few more times to mix. Taste and adjust lemon or cheese as desired.
- Toss pasta with pesto: Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Add the fresh garlic scape pesto and toss until evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve immediately: Plate the pasta and finish with an extra sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and a little more lemon zest.
Notes
Do not over-blend the pesto to keep some texture. Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Toast pine nuts gently to avoid bitterness. Use fresh garlic scapes for best flavor. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: garlic scape pesto, pesto pasta, pine nuts, lemon zest, easy pasta recipe, spring recipe, homemade pesto