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Pasta with Garlic-Scape Pesto

This vibrant pasta with garlic-scape pesto is a wonderful way to celebrate the short-lived garlic scape season. These curly green shoots offer a milder, more grass-like pungency than traditional cloves, which pairs beautifully with the creamy saltiness of Parmigiano-Reggiano and the earthy crunch of pistachios. It is a sophisticated yet simple vegetarian dish that delivers a punchy, fresh flavour profile, turning a basic store-cupboard staple like spaghetti into something truly special.

Perfect for a quick midweek supper or a light weekend lunch, this recipe relies on the starchy pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings to every strand. If you have extra pesto, it keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, making it a versatile addition to sandwiches or roasted vegetables. Serve it simply with a side salad for a nutritious, homemade meal that showcases the best of seasonal British produce.

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Ingredients for Pasta with Garlic-Scape Pesto

  • 10 large garlic scapes

  • 40g unsalted pistachios

  • 40g finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

  • Kosher salt and black pepper

  • 80ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 450g spaghetti

Make the pesto: Puree the garlic scapes, pistachios, Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoons pepper in a food processor until very finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly pour the oil through the opening. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. (The pesto keeps in the fridge, covered, for 1 week or frozen for a month.)

In a large pot of heavily salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 240ml the pasta-cooking water, then drain the pasta. Whisk together 160ml the pesto and the reserved pasta water and toss with the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve right away.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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