Ramblings of a Frantic Home Cook - Home cooking, Recipes, Healthy, Frugal

If you automatically think foods named alliteratively are junk foods marketed to kids, well, I’ve got something to tell you. You’re probably right. I mean, think of all these great gourmet treats… Captain Crunch, Dunkin’ Donuts, Frosted Flakes, Ding Dongs and Fiddle Faddle (the latter which reminds me of my great aunt, Hilda, who used to say this when she got flustered.)

But today, we break that rule, brothers and sisters. Because Ina Garten’s Pesto Peas and Pasta is just the kind of cool, creamy salad that’s great for your next pool party. This is no treat marketed to children although my kids love it.

I borrowed this pic from a friend so you could see how lovely it looks.

Pesto Pasta & Peas

1 lb. fusilli, rotini or shells
1/4 c. olive oil
1 1/2 c. pesto sauce (storebought is fine, but homemade is even better)
10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
3 Tbsp. of fresh lemon juice
1 1/4 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino
1 1/2 c. frozen peas, thawed
1/3 c. pine nuts
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the pasta until al dente and drain. Toss with olive oil and cool to room temperature. In a food processor, combine the pesto, spinach and lemon juice. Add the mayonnaise and blend well. Add this mixture to the cooled pasta. Add in the Parmesan, pea and pine nuts. Season with salt and pepper.