Mint and peas are a natural pairing in this creamy pasta dish.

It works well as a vegetarian main dish or can be divided into smaller portions as a side dish.

If you have pine nuts on hand, sprinkle them over the top for a little crunch.

Overhead view of a bowl of Creamy Green Pea Pesto Pasta recipe

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Parmesan cheese grated fresh with a microplane grater will give you the best results.

Add pasta; cook according to package directions, until al dente.

Reserve 3/4 cup cooking water.

Overhead view of a ingredients in various bowls for Creamy Green Pea Pesto Pasta recipe

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Drain the pasta; rinse under cold water.

Transfer to a large bowl.

Add 1/2 cup Parmesan and 1 teaspoon lemon zest to a small bowl.

Overhead view of a pasta in a colander and pasta water in a measuring cup for Creamy Green Pea Pesto Pasta recipe

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

With clean hands, rub the Parmesan and zest together until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Process until mostly smooth, 20 to 30 seconds.

Add the pesto and the reserved 3/4 cup cooking water to the pasta; toss until coated and creamy.

Overhead view of a hand mixing parmesan and lemon zest in a small bowl for Creamy Green Pea Pesto Pasta recipe

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Divide among 6 bowls; top with the lemon-Parmesan mixture.

  • Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.

Overhead view of a pesto ingredients ready to blend in a food processor for Creamy Green Pea Pesto Pasta recipe

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Overhead view of pasta mixed with the pesto from Creamy Green Pea Pesto Pasta recipe

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster