Print

Fresh Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Recipe Easy 5-Minute Cherry Tomato Dinner

fresh garlic scape pesto pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy pasta dish featuring a vibrant garlic scape pesto paired with juicy cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a fresh, flavorful dinner in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti or linguine recommended)

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. While pasta cooks, add chopped garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, grated parmesan, and lemon juice to a food processor. Pulse until combined but still slightly chunky, about 30 seconds. Scrape down sides as needed.
  4. Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then pulse once more to mix. If pesto is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
  5. Return drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Toss gently with the pesto until evenly coated. Add more pasta water if needed to achieve a silky texture.
  6. Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes last, stirring gently to distribute.
  7. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Use fresh garlic scapes for best flavor. Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. Do not overblend pesto to keep a slightly chunky texture. Reserve pasta water to loosen pesto and help it cling to pasta. Add red pepper flakes for heat if desired. Store leftover pesto in an airtight container with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic scape pesto, pesto pasta, cherry tomato pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, spring pasta, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/fresh-garlic-scape-pesto-pasta-recipe-easy-5-minute-cherry-tomato-dinner/