The first signs of Spring are finally brightening up our days. And what better way than celebrate the new season than a green-loaded recipe?
This Pea Pesto Pasta with Prawns is definitely becoming one of my favorite things to eat lately- me and the rest of the family can't literally have enough.
It's light, packed with seasonal flavors and only requires super simple ingredients.

What I love the most about this Pea Pesto Pasta with Prawns is that is effortlessly easy to put together in less than 15 min but looks fancy enough for a special occasion, served alongside a nice glass of white wine.
Now, let me just talk a bit more about the sauce, because it's unbelievably GOOD.
Whilst traditional basil pesto has a special pace in my heart, I'm quickly becoming obsessed with this simple sweet&tangy pea pesto.
Fresh or frozen peas, garlic, lemon, pine nuts and a handful of basil leaves all come together to make an awesome vegan sauce, which goes wonderfully with pasta, but it's just as good spread on toasted bread or used as a dip and served with crunchy veggies.
Best part? This pea pesto is ready in 5 min and freezes really well, which means you can make a big batch for the freezer and enjoy all year round.
If you're looking for a light dairy-free pasta recipe to enjoy all spring long, look no further - This quick & easy Pea Pesto Pasta with Prawns is sure to become your favorite meal this season!
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Please let me know how you liked it! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #thepetitecook! Looking at your pictures always makes me smile *and super hungry*!
Recipe
Shrimp Pasta with Peas
Ingredients
- 350 g fresh homemade pasta, or 300 g linguine
- 200 g shrimps, cleaned
For the pea pesto:
- 400 g frozen peas
- zest of 1 lemon
- juice of half lemon
- 2 garlic cloves
- 70 g pine nuts
- sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper
- 5 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the peas in a large pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes until just tender, then remove with a slotted spoon and transfer in a bowl with ice and cold water. Drain, pat dry and set a handful of peas aside for garnish.
- In a food processor add cooked peas, lemon juice & zest, garlic, pine nuts, basil leaves, olive oil and a generous pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Blend until smooth for about 1 min, scraping down the edges with a spatula half-way through.
- Add the pasta and prawns into the pot where you previously cooked the peas. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and allow to cook for about 3-4 mins, until pasta is tender and the prawns are cooked through.
- Reserve 50ml of cooking water and drain both pasta and prawns.
- Transfer them into a bowl, stir through the pea pesto, reserved peas and a little bit of cooking water for a creamy result. Mix everything well, and add sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Divide the pasta into four plates and serve immediately.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
All That I'm Eating says
I love pea pesto, it's got such a great colour and flavour. This is a lovely Spring recipe.
Zena's Suitcase says
This is my kind of food. Love all the ingredients and will definitely be making this
fashionmommywm says
I've never made my own pesto, but prawn is my food heaven so need to try this.
beautyqueenuk ?? (@beautyqueen_UK) says
I dont know why I have never thought to make my own pesto when you make it look and sound so easy x
Lindsey says
This looks absolutely scrumptious and I am loving your images. This is a perfect Spring dish x
shelley morecroft says
I'm not a fan of prawns, but that pea pesto pasta just looks amazing! I would probably just combine it with chicken or something, but definitely feel like trying out the pasta 🙂
Amy Hunt says
This sounds lovely!! I love pesto pasta, well..I love any type of pasta!
Amy & Tots says
I reckon I could give this to my kids, without the prawns, and call it superhero pasta!
Andrea says
I like the name :D!
Jenny says
This sounds so delicious and perfect for a sunny Spring evening.
Sarah Bella says
This pesto sounds fantastic! I haven't had prawns for such a long time but may need to give this recipe a go in the very near future! I'm hungry after reading this post, haha. It looks amazing!! Thank you for sharing.
Andrea says
I don't eat prawns that much often, but in this recipe they're a winner!
Claire Jessiman (@foodiequine) says
I choose wine based on how pretty the label is so online wine tasting sounds like it would be perfect for me. Love the sound of your pea pesto. Such a vibrant shade of green.
familyfriendsfoodblog says
I don't eat prawns but that pesto sounds like it would be great on its own anyway. I love that its dairy free and what a fab colour!
Pulp Wine subscription sounds like a fab idea if you want to learn about wine. I love it when you can do those things in the comfort of your own home - so much more achievable!
Andrea says
Totally agree, I really like the idea of wine tasting & lessons in my comfy home and with my other half 🙂
efwalt says
I'd not heard of Pulp Wine before! Sounds like this is a match made in heaven! I love a glass of white whine with seafood pasta. You've convinced me!