This simple pesto comes together in a snap, is low-fat, and celebrates the flavors of summer. It's a twist on a traditional basil pesto with the bright, unique flavors of artichoke hearts and spring peas - a surefire dish to wow your friends and family. As a bonus, this pesto works in both warm and room temperature dishes, which makes it great for potlucks and picnicks!

Pesto with Basil, Artichoke and Peas
Yield: 4 servings

1 cup basil leaves, packed
1 cup quartered artichoke hearts (I use frozen & defrosted)
3/4 cup peas (fresh & blanched or frozen)
2 cloves garlic
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
2 Tbsp vegetable broth
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
pinch fresh ground black pepper
8 oz whole wheat rotini (or other shaped pasta with ridges)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds (walnuts and pine nuts would also be good!)

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water when you drain the pasta. 
2. Combine basil, artichoke hearts and peas in a food process and pulse until chunky.
3. Add garlic, nutritional yeast, vegetable broth, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Puree until smooth.
4. Toss pesto with prepared pasta and 2 Tbsp pasta water. Add more pasta water as needed until the pesto coats the pasta without being too dry. 
5. Toss with sunflower seeds and serve warm, or chill for a cold pasta salad.

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