Ingredient:

• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or finely chopped
• ⅓ cup (1 ounce) finely grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 lemons, 1 juiced and 1 thinly sliced into rounds
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 10 to 16 ounces (2 to 3 cups) frozen peas, completely thawed*
• 16 ounces short-cut pasta**
• ⅓ cup to ½ cup pesto, homemade or jarred
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish