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Fresh Garlic Scapes and Cherry Tomato Burst Pesto Linguine

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A vibrant summer pasta dish featuring a mellow garlic scapes pesto paired with bursting cherry tomatoes and linguine, perfect for quick and fresh meals.

Ingredients

  • Fresh garlic scapes, roughly chopped (about 1 cup packed)
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 pint)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (⅓ cup)
  • Toasted pine nuts (¼ cup)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup)
  • Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Linguine pasta (12 ounces / 340 grams)
  • Salt for pasta water (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Additional Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions—usually 9 to 11 minutes—until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Save about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, combine the chopped garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan, and lemon juice in a food processor. Pulse a few times to start breaking down the ingredients.
  3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth but still has some texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the pesto feels too thick, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  4. Gently fold halved cherry tomatoes into the pesto, reserving a few for garnish.
  5. Drain the linguine and immediately transfer to a large mixing bowl or back into the pot. Add the pesto and toss well to coat every strand evenly. Use reserved pasta water as needed to help the sauce cling.
  6. Serve the pasta warm, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

You can substitute garlic scapes with young garlic tops or mild green garlic. For a dairy-free version, omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast. Gluten-free pasta options like rice or chickpea linguine work well. Toast pine nuts lightly for deeper flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust pesto consistency. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic scapes, cherry tomato, pesto, linguine, summer pasta, easy pasta recipe, fresh pesto, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/fresh-garlic-scapes-and-cherry-tomato-burst-pesto-linguine-easy-recipe-for-summer-pasta-delight/