Asparagus Pesto Pasta [with Minty Sugar Snap Peas]

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Asparagus Pesto Pasta with Minty Sugar Snap Peas

I’m always looking for healthy excuses to eat pasta. Filled with lots of vegetables and nutrients, but also delicious is what I aim for, and this Asparagus Pesto Pasta with Minty Sugar Snap Peas checks those boxes.

If you like healthy pasta recipes, you should give my Pasta with Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Sauce and High Protein Pasta Salad recipes a try!

How to Make it Asparagus Pesto Pasta

This dish begins with al dente pasta, cooked to perfection.

Meanwhile, asparagus spears are boiled until just fork-tender, then blended with the classic components of pesto: fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil.

The result is a vibrant green pesto sauce infused with the subtle sweetness and earthy flavor of asparagus!

Keep reading for a breakdown of each step.

Cook the Asparagus

Take a large pot of salted water to boil. Chop or snap the woody/tough ends of the asparagus. Discard or save them for homemade vegetable or chicken broth!

Once the water is boiling, add your asparagus and boil for seven to eight minutes, or until the asparagus is soft but not mushy.

Drain the asparagus, reserving two tablespoons of water for the pesto, and set aside to cool.

Minty Sugar Snap Peas

These are so simple and delicious! I could eat them in a big bowl all by themselves.

Remove any stringy ends from the sugar snap peas and slice them about a half-inch thick.

I like to slice my garlic thinly; finding those little slivers of garlic while eating Asparagus Pesto Pasta with Minty Sugar Snap Peas is one of my favorite parts!

Sauté the sliced sugar snap peas, garlic, and scallions in heated extra virgin olive oil and butter.

Sprinkle in the salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Continue cooking over medium to high heat for five to seven minutes. The peas should still have a crunchy bite to them.

Sauté the sliced sugar snap peas, garlic, and scallions in heated extra virgin olive oil and butter. Sprinkle in the salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Continue cooking over medium to high heat for five to seven minutes. The peas should still have a crunchy bite to them.

Splash in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water and stir (this will release any bits that are stuck to the pan). Chiffonade the fresh mint and toss it with the peas. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

You can begin boiling salted water for the pasta now and drop that in when it’s ready! Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before straining.

Blend the Asparagus Pesto

The asparagus pesto is made up of mostly asparagus, yet it’s still so lusciously creamy!

Now that your asparagus is cooled, pulse it several times in a large food processor with basil, pine nuts, garlic cloves, parmesan cheese, reserved asparagus water, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil while the large food processor is running.

Blend until silky smooth!

Finishing the Asparagus Pesto Pasta with Minty Sugar Snap Peas

In a large pot, gently toss your pasta with the asparagus pesto and the remaining reserved pasta water until all the pasta is coated.

Fold in the minty sugar snap peas (you can save a little for garnish, but that’s optional).

To complete the dish, I like to garnish the pasta with a little freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh mint, basil, pine nuts, and a lemon wedge. 🍋🌿

What is pesto best with?

Pesto is best with pasta, particularly classics like spaghetti or linguine. It also pairs well with other dishes like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, sandwiches, or as a topping for pizza.

Additionally, it can be used as a dip or spread for bread or crackers.

Does pesto lower blood pressure?

Basil, a key ingredient in pesto, contains compounds like eugenol, which may have potential benefits for cardiovascular health, including potentially lowering blood pressure.

Additionally, olive oil, another common ingredient in pesto, is associated with various health benefits, including improving heart health and potentially lowering blood pressure.

However, while pesto may contribute to overall heart health when consumed as part of a balanced diet, it’s not a standalone solution for managing blood pressure.

It’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle overall, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress levels, to support heart health and manage blood pressure effectively.

Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding blood pressure management!

Should I put pesto on before or after cooking?

Traditionally, pesto is added to cooked pasta just before serving. This allows the flavors of the pesto to meld with the hot pasta. However, some people also enjoy mixing pesto into the pasta while it’s still warm after cooking. It ultimately depends on your preference.

CONNECT WITH ME!

I’d love to hear from you! About your experience with this dish, any alterations you may have made and loved (or didn’t love), or just life and cooking in general. Please leave a question, comment, and/or review below, or get in touch via email.

Follow me on social media to stay connected and keep up with the fun! I sometimes post different recipes my husband and I make that I don’t share here on the blog, other cooking, and lifestyle tips, and more.

🌻PS: It’s Mother’s Day and my mom is going to be the first person to read this recipe post (as always). So, I wanted to say HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!!! I love you and thank you for being the best Mommy in the world. 💛

I hope you enjoy the Asparagus Pesto Pasta!! – Jenna G.

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