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Quick Creamy Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Recipe with Parmesan and Lemon Zest

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A quick and creamy pasta dish featuring fresh garlic scape pesto blended with Parmesan, lemon zest, and a splash of cream, perfect for a fast, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup chopped garlic scapes (or substitute with green garlic or mild fresh garlic cloves)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • Zest of one medium lemon
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (can substitute with full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 small minced garlic clove (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, add 1 cup chopped garlic scapes, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 minced garlic clove (optional), 2 tablespoons olive oil, and the zest of one lemon into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but still slightly textured.
  3. With the processor running, slowly pour in ¼ cup heavy cream until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If the pesto feels too thick, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  4. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast ¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently and watch closely to prevent burning. Set aside.
  5. Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large skillet over low heat. Pour in the creamy garlic scape pesto and toss well to coat the noodles evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a silky sauce that clings to every strand.
  6. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Transfer to serving bowls, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, toasted nuts, and a little more lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overheat the sauce once combined to prevent cream from breaking. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic scape pesto, creamy pasta, quick pasta recipe, lemon zest pasta, Parmesan pasta, garlic scapes, easy dinner, spring pasta

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/quick-creamy-garlic-scape-pesto-pasta-recipe-with-parmesan-and-lemon-zest/