English Pea Pesto Pasta With Ham
The natural sweetness and beautiful color of English peas make them a great addition to pesto. Make this dish with or without the diced ham.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 6 persons
Ingredients
- 1pound spaghetti or linguine
- 8ounces ham (finely diced)
- 2teaspoons olive oil or butter
- 1cup frozen petite green peas (thawed or lightly cooked)
- ¾cup basil leaves (packed, torn)
- ¼cup Parmesan cheese (fresh and shredded, plus more for serving)
- 2cloves garlic (minced)
- Optional: 1/4 cup walnuts
- 5tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
Instructions
Step 1
Gather the ingredients.Step 2
Cook spaghetti or linguine in boiling salted water following package directions. Drain.Step 3
Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium heat, lightly brown the ham in 2 teaspoons of olive oil or butter.Step 4
Meanwhile, for pesto, combine in a food processor the peas, basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and walnuts, if using.Step 5
Run the food processor, adding olive oil a little at a time, until the mixture is finely chopped.Step 6
Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed.Step 7
Toss the diced ham and pesto with the hot pasta.Step 8
Serve with more Parmesan cheese.Step 9
Enjoy.