Description
This fresh and flavorful garlic scape pesto pasta is a quick, seasonal recipe that brings out the best in early summer ingredients. With a bright, herby twist on classic pesto, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual lunch with friends.
Ingredients
1 bunch garlic scapes, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
½ cup olive oil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
12 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne work well)
Optional Add-ins:
Roasted cherry tomatoes
Grilled chicken or shrimp
Red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse and trim the garlic scapes. Chop into 1-inch sections.
Step 2: Add scapes, Parmesan, and pine nuts to a food processor. Pulse to combine.
Step 3: Slowly pour in olive oil while blending until smooth. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
Step 5: Toss pasta with pesto. Add reserved water as needed to loosen.
Step 6: Top with extras like roasted tomatoes or grilled chicken and serve warm.
Notes
Store leftover pesto in the fridge for up to 5 days with a layer of olive oil on top.
Freeze pesto in ice cube trays for longer storage.
This pesto also works great as a sandwich spread or topping for roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: American with seasonal twist