Pasta la Mania!!

Linguine with Green Pea Pesto

Serves 6
In this dish, a vibrantly colored pesto made from peas and fresh herbs dresses up whole wheat pasta. Try the pesto as a spread on sandwiches and crostini, too.

Ingredients

45og whole wheat or gluten free linguine
1 cup fresh or frozen and thawed green peas
1 cup packed flat leaf parsley (from 1 bunch organic parsley)
1/2 cup packed organic basil (or a combination of basil and mint)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon brined capers, drained
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2 cup chopped walnut pieces, toasted

Method

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain linguine and transfer to a large bowl.
Meanwhile, put peas, herbs, lemon juice and capers into a food processor and pulse to make a coarse paste. With the motor running, add oil in a steady stream. Season pesto with salt and pepper.
Toss hot linguine with reserved 1/2 cup cooking water and pesto. Top with walnuts and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Per serving (About 5oz/139g-wt.): 280 calories (160 from fat), 18g total fat, 2g saturated fat, 8g protein, 26g total carbohydrate (6g dietary fiber, 2g sugar), 0mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium