Green Awesomeness {AKA Pasta, Pesto and Peas}

Ina Garten's Pasta, Pesto and Peas

"Green Awesomeness" is the name given to this dish by our 10 year old neighbor. It is Ina Garten's Pasta, Pesto and Peas. Although her name is an accurate description of the dish, I like his name better, don't you?

This is the perfect summer picnic or potluck dish, as it's a nice change from the usual pasta salads. We had it for a simple dinner and the boys weren't complaining, that's for sure. Even my pea-hater ate it and just quietly pushed the peas to the side. It's not lacking in flavor (or calories, I'm sure) due to the pesto, Parmesan, spinach, lemon juice, and mayo. 

Needless to say, this one will be added to the recipe box. The changes I made were to use a 16 oz. box of mini bow tie pasta, fresh baby spinach instead of frozen, jarred pesto instead of homemade (the original recipe includes a pesto recipe), less than half of the mayonnaise, and omit the pine nuts. Oh, and I totally forgot to toss the pasta with extra virgin olive oil. If you wanted to make a more substantial meal with it, you could easily add cooked chicken.

With two of my big guys gone right now, we had plenty left over. I suppose you know what I'll be having for lunch tomorrow.