2 Tbsp. Mushroom & Sage Olive Oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2-4 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. 2% milk
1 c. vegetable stock (or chicken)
1 Tbsp. pesto
1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper (more for additional seasoning)
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 c. green peas (if frozen, set out an hour before to thaw slightly)
3/4 box whole grain pasta (such as linguini)
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil and garlic, stirring quickly to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Next, reduce heat slightly and add 2 Tbsp. flour and whisk to combine. Cook for about a minute and then add vegetable stock and milk and use a flat spatula to mash the flour into the liquid.
Add salt, pepper, pesto, grated Parmesan cheese and stir. Cook on medium heat until it bubbles, and then reduce heat to medium-low heat and cook until thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or broth. If too thin, add a little more flour and whisk to combine. Alternatively, you can thicken with more Parmesan cheese.
Once sauce is ready, add the peas and stir.
Then add the drained cooked pasta and toss to combine, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese on top. Garlic bread and steamed broccoli or peas are excellent additions to this simple dish.
