| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 11 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 467 | 20g | 4.9g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 3.1g | 13g | 0.95g |
Every once in a while, a recipe comes across either my kitchen counter in Boston or the worn-out pages of family cookbooks that simply sparks joy. Chive Pesto Pasta is one of those recipes. Drawing from both my Irish heritage and my love for fresh New England produce, this dish is a true fusion of the old world and the new. It uses the bounty of ingredients available in our region, coupled with the comforting, homely touch of traditional Irish cuisine. Let’s explore why I hold this fruity pasta recipe so dear.
Bringing the Old World into the New
My Irish grandparents might not have known what a linguine pasta is, but they were no strangers to the art of making do with what we have. Using an Irish classic – chives – and combining it with the beautiful freshness of basil leaves, feels like a tribute to their wisdom and culinary savviness. The tart freshness of lemon zest is a nod to the fruits my grandparents would pick from their backyard in Ireland, something they would be delighted to see incorporated in a dish like this.
An Ode to New England
For a born and bred Boston local, there’s nothing quite like fresh seafood. This Chive Pesto Pasta brings memories of early morning trips down to the harbor with Laura, my fiancée, where we’d watch the boats come in, nets heaving with the morning’s catch. Combined with the earthiness of toasted pine nuts and the strong, robust flavor of Parmesan cheese, this pasta is an ode to our city’s vibrant food scene. I can almost smell the ocean air and hear the seagulls cawing whenever I cook this pasta.
This recipe is similar to a classic Pasta al Pesto, a dish hailing from Liguria, Italy. For more traditional variation, you can learn how to make it here. If you’re a fan of seafood like me, I recommend pairing this pasta with a delicious Grilled Lobster or a hearty Clam Chowder – it’s a match made in gastronomical heaven!
The Boon of Health Benefits
On top of its tantalising flavours, the Chive Pesto Pasta packs some serious health benefits. Chives and basil, besides imparting a delightful taste, are known for their high mineral and antioxidant content, which can help fight against chronic diseases. Olive oil, a staple in Mediterranean diets, boasts heart-healthy fats, improving cardiovascular health, and garlic, as we know, is famed for its antimicrobial properties. Not to forget, the high fiber content in pasta helps in digestion. Enjoying a serving of this pasta is not only joyful but healthful too.
The next time you’re craving a comforting yet refreshing meal, look no further than this Chive Pesto Pasta recipe. It’s a combination of tradition and novelty – just like the story of an Irish lad cooking in a Boston kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb linguine pasta
- 2 cups fresh chives
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Step Two
While the pasta is cooking, start making the chive pesto. In the bowl of a food processor, combine fresh chives, fresh basil, peeled garlic, lemon zest and juice, toasted pine nuts, and grated parmesan cheese. Process until finely chopped.
Step Three
While the food processor is running, gradually add the extra-virgin olive oil through the feed tube until the pesto is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step Four
Transfer the cooked pasta to a large serving bowl. Add the chive pesto and toss to combine, adding pasta water as needed to loosen up the sauce. Ensure all the pasta is well coated with the pesto.
Step Five
Serve the Chive Pesto Pasta immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts if desired. Enjoy your homemade delicious meal!
