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Fresh Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade with Toasted Pine Nuts

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A quick and easy fresh garlic scape pesto pasta featuring toasted pine nuts, Parmesan, and a bright lemon finish. Perfect for early summer when garlic scapes are in season, this vibrant pesto offers a unique twist on traditional basil pesto.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup chopped fresh garlic scapes (about 8–10 scapes)
  • 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (about 70 grams)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (80 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher salt preferred)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 12 ounces pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional: fresh basil leaves
  • Optional: spinach or arugula

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup pine nuts and stir frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Remove to a plate to cool.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes or 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  3. Prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine chopped garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse a few times to combine.
  4. Add olive oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/3 cup olive oil until the pesto is smooth but slightly textured. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the pesto is too thick.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning: Add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Toss pasta with pesto: Return drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Add pesto and toss well to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Serve immediately: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra toasted pine nuts and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Toast pine nuts gently to avoid burning. Use fresh garlic scapes for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust pesto consistency. Store leftover pesto in an airtight container with olive oil on top to prevent browning. Vegan option: omit Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Nut-free option: substitute pine nuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic scape pesto, pesto pasta, toasted pine nuts, easy pasta recipe, summer pasta, homemade pesto, garlic scapes, fresh pesto

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/fresh-garlic-scape-pesto-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-with-toasted-pine-nuts/