Ingredients

• 1 pound thin asparagus
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves or 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 3 to 4 tablespoons toasted pistachios
• 1 clove garlic, grated or made into a paste
• Juice of 1 lime or 1/2 lemon
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup EVOO
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 pound penne
• 1 cup fresh shelled peas or defrosted frozen organic peas
• Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Trim the tough ends from the asparagus. Store half of the spears upright in a glass filled halfway with water to keep it fresh for a few days or until ready to serve. Chop the remaining asparagus and place it in a food processor. Add the mint, parsley, tarragon, cheese, pistachios, garlic and lime juice. Add the EVOO, pouring to a count of 6 (1/3 to 1/2 cup). Season with salt and pepper. Pulse until the pesto comes together. Place in a small container and store in the refrigerator if not using immediately.
2. To serve, bring the pesto to room temperature and place it in a large, shallow serving bowl. Slice the reserved asparagus spears on an angle into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta and season with salt. Cook the pasta for 5 minutes, then add the peas and chopped asparagus and cook 2 to 3 more minutes. Scoop out 1 cup of the cooking water and add it to the serving bowl to thin the pesto. Drain the pasta, peas and asparagus and add to the bowl. Toss 1 to 2 minutes to combine. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with the shaved cheese.
4. Cook's Note: The pesto can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.