Creamy Edamame Pesto Pasta with Rocket Salad: A Vibrant and Flavorful Dish

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of creamy edamame pesto pasta, paired with a refreshing rocket salad. This vibrant dish combines the nutty goodness of edamame with the aromatic notes of basil and garlic, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your palate.

Ingredients:

For the Pesto: - 1 cup fresh edamame beans, shelled - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper For the Pasta: - 1 pound linguine or spaghetti - 1/4 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese For the Rocket Salad: - 1 cup fresh rocket leaves - 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

To Make the Pesto: 1. In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the edamame beans, basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. 2. Process until smooth and creamy. To Cook the Pasta: 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. 3. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta. To Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: 1. In a large skillet, combine the pesto and heavy cream. 2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. 3. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. To Assemble the Dish: 1. Add the cooked pasta to the pesto sauce and toss to coat. 2. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved cooking water to thin it out. 3. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese. To Make the Rocket Salad: 1. In a large bowl, combine the rocket leaves, red onion, and feta cheese. 2. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. 3. Toss to combine. To Serve: 1. Divide the creamy edamame pesto pasta among serving plates. 2. Top with the rocket salad. 3. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this delicious dish!

Tips:

- For a vegan version, use vegan Parmesan cheese and omit the feta cheese in the salad. - Add grilled chicken or shrimp to the pasta for a protein-packed meal. - Garnish with toasted pine nuts or chopped parsley for added texture and flavor. - Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Enjoy the vibrant and flavorful combination of creamy edamame pesto pasta and rocket salad for a satisfying and nutritious meal. Bon appétit!