Zesty Green Pea and Jalapeño Pesto Pasta

If you're looking for a simple and tasty way to take advantage of the last offerings of the fresh garden pea harvest, this pasta dish is loaded with flavor from a zesty and lemony pesto made from peas, plenty of fresh herbs, lemon, sun-dried tomatoes and a jalapeño for a nice little added kick. Fresh garden peas are also tossed in with the pasta to present a beautiful and colorful plate with that wonderful burst of sweet green pea goodness popping in your mouth. It's a great way to enjoy the end of the summer, and best of all, it takes little time for preparation and cooking, and is delicious served either hot off the stove or cold as a salad.

Zesty Green Pea and Jalapeño Pesto Pasta

Recipe by Lisa Turner
Published on September 6, 2014

Pasta and green peas tossed with a simple but delicious lemony green pea, herb, jalapeño and sun-dried tomato pesto — tasty served hot or cold

Preparation: 25 to 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 to 12 minutes

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Ingredients:

4 sun-dried tomatoes
1 1/4 cups fresh garden peas or defrosted frozen green peas
1 cup fresh basil leaves
3/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1 shallot or small red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
juice and zest from 1 lemon
pinch of sea salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black, green or white pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups dried fusilli or rotini pasta

Instructions:

Soak the sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes. Drain and chop.
Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling salted water according to package directions. Two minutes before the pasta is finished cooking, toss in 1 cups of the peas.
Combine the remaining 1/4 cup of the peas with the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, mint, onion, garlic, jalapeño, lemon juice and zest, salt, pepper and olive oil in a food processor. Process until smooth. Add another tablespoon of olive oil if the pesto is too thick to process.
Drain the pasta and peas and toss with the pesto. Serve hot or warm, or cold as a salad.

Makes 4 main or 6 side servings