Print

Fresh Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade with Juicy Cherry Tomatoes

fresh garlic scape pesto pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy pasta dish featuring a fresh garlic scape pesto tossed with warm pasta and juicy cherry tomatoes, perfect for a flavorful and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh garlic scapes, chopped
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 pint juicy cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 12 ounces pasta of choice (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  3. In a food processor, combine chopped garlic scapes, minced garlic clove, grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and extra virgin olive oil. Pulse until smooth but still with some texture. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if pesto is too thick.
  4. While pasta cooks, halve cherry tomatoes and toss with a pinch of salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice.
  5. Return drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Add pesto and reserved pasta water a little at a time to coat noodles evenly. Stir gently until pasta looks glossy and vibrant green.
  6. Fold in cherry tomatoes and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Optional: Sprinkle extra Parmesan and pine nuts on top before serving.

Notes

Do not overprocess the pesto to keep a slightly chunky texture and avoid bitterness. Toast pine nuts carefully to prevent burning. Reserve pasta water to loosen pesto and help it coat the pasta. Adjust seasoning gradually. Use fresh cherry tomatoes for best flavor. Make pesto just before serving or cover tightly to prevent browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic scape pesto, pesto pasta, cherry tomatoes, easy pasta recipe, homemade pesto, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/fresh-garlic-scape-pesto-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-with-juicy-cherry-tomatoes/