Perennial Herb & Edible Flower Pesto Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish featuring pesto made from garden-perennial herbs and edible flowers, tossed with al dente pasta. This italian-inspired pasta (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes blends fresh basil, fresh parsley, (petals only) edible pansies into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp (petals only) edible pansies
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup fresh basil, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 2 tbsp edible pansy petals, 2 garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup pine nuts; pulse until finely chopped.
- Step 2: With the processor running, slowly pour in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil until smooth and emulsified, then add 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan; pulse until incorporated.
- Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (add 1 tsp sea salt), cook 12 oz penne pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 4: Add the drained pasta to the pesto, tossing vigorously with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water until the sauce coats each strand evenly, then serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Perennial Herb & Edible Flower Pesto Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Perennial Herb & Edible Flower Pesto Pasta?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Perennial Herb & Edible Flower Pesto Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Perennial Herb & Edible Flower Pesto Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Perennial Herb & Edible Flower Pesto Pasta gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
