Whole Wheat Penne with Pea and Arugula Pesto

Pesto is one of my favorite pasta sauces. I love exploring with different ingredients, and discovering new variations. This pesto is bright, beautiful, and bold. Okay, so I might have gotten a little carried away with the "B's" but, it is so true. Try this recipe next time you find yourself with a craving for pesto, or even with a pasta salad for your next BBQ.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Whole Wheat Penne
• 1 1/2 Cups Frozen Peas, Defrosted
• 3 Cups Baby Arugula
• 1 Cup Fresh Basil Leaves
• 2 Garlic Cloves, Peeled
• 1/2 Cup Walnuts, Toasted
• 2 tsp, Fresh Lemon Zest
• 3/4 Cup Olive Oil
• 1 tsp. Kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese, Grated

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 Degrees F.
• Arrange the walnuts on a baking sheet, and place them in the oven until toasted. About 5-7 minutes. Let them cool.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 8-`10 minutes.
• Reserve about 1/2 a cup of pasta water. Drain and place into a serving bowl.
• Place the toasted walnuts, parmesan cheese, and lemon zest into the food processor, mix together until combined. Then add the peas, arugula,basil, salt, and pepper into a food processor.
• Blend together until smooth. With the food processor still running add the olive oil slowly until well combined.
• Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
• Pour the pesto over the Penne and toss together until well coated.
• Add the pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce.
• Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Serve.