WHAT YOU DO
Step 1. First make the pesto. Add all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor, reserving a little fresh basil for garnish if you like. Blitz until smooth, then check for seasoning.
Step 2. To make the pasta salad, place a big pot of water on the stove and bring to a boil.
Step 3. In the meantime, add a little olive oil to a pan over a medium heat and cook off the pancetta. Remove the pancetta from the pan and add the leeks to the fat that's left. Cook off until soft and sweet, then add the garlic.
Step 4. Add a big handful of salt to the boiling water and cook the pasta as per the package instructions.
Step 5. Reduce the heat under the pan with the leeks, then add in a splash of hot water, the stock cube, mascarpone or cream cheese, and pancetta. Stir well to combine then stir in most of the pine nuts, reserving some for garnish.
Step 6. Add the butter to a hot pan to melt, then add the breadcrumbs. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and toasted, then remove from the heat.
Step 7. Add the peas to the pasta for the last few minutes of cooking, then drain.
Step 8. Add the drained pasta and peas into the pan of creamy leeks, stir well to combine, then check for seasoning. Add the lemon juice and chilli flakes, then sprinkle in more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 9. To serve, garnish the pasta with some pine nuts, toasted breadcrumbs, fresh basil and Parmesan. If you want to eat this cold - it's just as good if not better when cooled - reserve the garnishes until just before serving.
TIP: Whenever I buy pine nuts, I usually toast them straightaway, then store in an airtight container - that way they're ready to go whenever you need them. Pine nuts can be pretty expensive, so this works well with almonds or walnuts if you'd prefer - you can also omit them altogether. Additionally, I've included a recipe for homemade pesto here, but you can absolutely use storebought instead if you prefer - I often do when I'm short on time. This also works really well with some mushrooms cooked off with the leeks or some sundried tomatoes
