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Fresh Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy pasta dish featuring vibrant fresh garlic scape pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes, perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup chopped garlic scapes (or fresh basil as a substitute)
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions, typically 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. While pasta cooks, toast 1/3 cup of pine nuts or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
  3. In a food processor, combine 1 cup chopped garlic scapes, toasted nuts, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil. Pulse until smooth but still slightly textured. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If too thick, add a teaspoon or two of reserved pasta cooking water.
  4. Rinse and halve 1 pint of cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
  5. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander. Do not rinse.
  6. Return pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Add pesto and gently toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water little by little if needed for creaminess and to loosen the sauce.
  7. Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes gently to keep them whole and juicy.
  8. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired. Sprinkle optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if available. Serve warm.

Notes

Reserve pasta cooking water to adjust pesto sauce texture and help it bind to pasta. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. Use fresh lemon juice for brightness. Make pesto just before serving to prevent oxidation and darkening. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic scape pesto, cherry tomatoes, pasta recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, fresh pesto, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/fresh-garlic-scape-pesto-pasta-recipe-with-cherry-tomatoes-easy-and-best/