This 15 minute recipe uses ingredients most people already have at home in their refrigerator and pantry. Add the pasta to the boiling water first and while it’s cooking prepare the pesto in the food processor. Serves 4.

PEA PESTO
7oz frozen peas, defrosted
1/2 cup packed fresh parsley
3 garlic cloves
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons water
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Add all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Salt and pepper to taste. Recipe yields 1 1/4 cup.

PASTA
8 oz pasta of choice, cooked al dente (reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water)
5 oz frozen peas, defrosted
16 oz cooked shrimp or roasted chicken
1 1/4 cup pea pesto (recipe above)

Heat a saute pan to low and combine pasta, peas, shrimp, pea pesto, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water until warmed throughout (just a few minutes to avoid overcooking the pasta). Add in additional pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Serve in shallow bowls and top with grated parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.