This mouthwatering pesto pasta with peas is loaded with crisp-tender vegetables, tossed with store-bought pesto, and topped with fresh Parmesan cheese sauce and basil. It’s a light and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for warm weather! And it can easily be made gluten-free.

Penne Pasta with Peas and Pesto Recipe

This penne pasta with peas and pesto is one of my favorite pasta recipes! It’s a bright, flavorful dish that celebrates fresh seasonal vegetables at their best. And it’s super easy and quick to make using store-bought pesto.

This recipe is also easily adjusted to your tastes. I’ve added notes below on how to sub in other vegetables and add more protein.

Pesto Pasta with Peas Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this penne with pesto pasta dish.

PEAS In this recipe, I used both fresh peas and snap pea pods. You can find both at stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. And you can also use frozen peas, which are picked and frozen at their peak, so they’re just as tasty and good for you.
BABY SPINACH
FAVA BEANS (Optional): If you’re new to fava beans (also known as broad beans), they’re legumes in the same family as peas. They’re in season in the spring and make a yummy addition to this dish. But you could also use frozen fava beans — which are easier to find and are just as healthy.
PENNE PASTA Penne pasta is great for soaking up all that yummy pesto sauce. But you can use any pasta you prefer. Gluten-free pasta also works great in this dish.
PESTO I used high-quality store-bought pesto in this dish. But you can also use homemade if you’re up for making it.
FRESH PARMESAN CHEESE: For the best taste, I recommend using real, freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (not the shelf-stable stuff that comes out of the shaker).
FRESH GROUND PEPPER
GARNISH IDEAS: Fresh basil (I used purple shiso basil), pea tendrils, and/or chive blossoms.

Penne with Peas Step-By-Step Instructions

This pesto and peas pasta dish does have a few steps. But it comes together quickly and easily. Here’s what you’ll need to do.

PREPARE THE PASTA: Make the pasta per the package instructions.
BLANCH THE VEGETABLES: While the pasta is cooking, blanch the peas, pea pods, and frozen fava beans (if using) in a large pot of boiling water until just crisp-tender, about 1-2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and add to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking.
FRESH FAVA BEANS: If you’re using fresh fava beans, blanch them seperatly. You can use the same water. Once the fava beans are cooked and cooled, slip off the outer, rubbery shell. Then drain the vegetables and set them aside until ready to use.
TOSS PASTA IN PESTO: When the pasta is ready, add it to a large bowl or serving dish and toss it with the pesto. Start with 1/4 cup and add more if desired.
ADD THE BLANCHED VEGETABLES AND SPINACH: Next, add the blanched vegetables and spinach. Adjust the pesto to taste.
GARNISH & SERVE: Top with the ground pepper, fresh Parmesan cheese, and any other desired garnishes. Serve and enjoy!

Bowl of penne pasta with peas and pesto sauce

Easy Pasta with Peas Recipe Options:

This recipe is easy to tweak to your taste and needs. Here are some options.

OTHER VEGETABLES: Go ahead and try this recipe with other vegetables! It would also be delicious with asparagus, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and/or zucchini. Depending on what type of vegetable you use, you might want to consider stir-frying or roasting the vegetables instead of blanching them, though.
ADD MORE PROTEIN: Roasted shrimp or salmon, and shredded chicken would all work well in this recipe. You could also add some cooked bacon or pancetta.
MAKE WITH GLUTEN-FREE PASTA: Replace the pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

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A Few More Recipe Tips:

Here are a few more suggestions to ensure your recipe turns out perfectly.

DON’T COOK THE PESTO: Heating pesto can change the flavor and color of the basil. Make sure to add it to pasta that’s been transfered to a bowl (not in a hot pan).
PASTA WATER: Add a bit of reserved pasta water to the pasta when adding the pesto to ensure a more even coating, if needed.
STORAGE: You can store this pasta with peas in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for a day or two. When ready to serve, just microwave until just heated through, about 1-2 minutes.

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