PASTA WITH CILANTRO, PEAS AND SMOKED SALMON

Pasta with Cilantro, Peas and Smoked Salmon image

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 large garlic cloves, peeled
1 jalapeño chili, seeded
3 cups chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup whipping cream
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
12 ounces bow-tie pasta
1 10-ounce package frozen petite green peas, thawed or 1 1/2 pounds fresh peas, shelled
1/4 pound sliced smoked salmon, cut into strips
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Steps:

With processor running, drop garlic and chili through feed tube; chop finely. Add cilantro; chop finely. Add cream; blend until thick, using on/off turns. Add lime juice. Season sauce with salt and pepper.
Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite; add fresh peas if using and boil 2 minutes. Do not precook frozen peas. Drain pasta and peas. Return to same pot. Mix in sauce and thawed frozen peas if using. Add salmon and chives.