Creamy Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Parmesan Delight
A quick and easy creamy garlic scape pesto pasta that combines fresh garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan, and a touch of cream for a luscious, comforting meal perfect for spring and early summer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup chopped garlic scapes (about 6–8 scapes)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or 2 tablespoons cream cheese (can substitute dairy-free options)
- 12 ounces pasta (linguine or fettuccine recommended)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and roughly chop about 1 cup of garlic scapes (6-8 scapes). Slice thinner if scapes are thick for easier blending.
- Toast 1/4 cup pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant (3-5 minutes). Set aside to cool.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 ounces of pasta according to package directions until al dente (9-11 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- In a food processor, combine chopped garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Pulse to combine.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth, vibrant green pesto. Scrape down sides if needed.
- Transfer pesto to a bowl and stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or 2 tablespoons cream cheese until fully incorporated for a creamy texture.
- Toss hot pasta with the creamy pesto in a large bowl or sauté pan. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen sauce and help it cling to noodles. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and optional pine nuts and freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes
Do not over-blend the pesto; it should be smooth but retain some texture from the nuts. Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to pasta. Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Adjust creaminess gradually. Prepare pesto while pasta cooks to save time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups per
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: garlic scape pesto, creamy pasta, homemade pesto, Parmesan pasta, spring recipe, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe