Pasta with Walnut-Basil Pesto

Related recipes: Cheese, Garlic, Herbs, High Fiber, Italian, Main Dishes, Nuts and Seeds, Pasta, Side Dishes, Sugar Solution, Summer, Tomatoes, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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Make it a Meal

Add these dishes to make a full meal:

Beet Salad

Tuscany Bean Soup

Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta

Wine Pairings

From The Sugar Solution Cookbook
See other recipes from this cookbook >

If you like, coarsely chop and toast 1 tablespoon of the walnuts. Sprinkle over the top for a little extra crunch.

Preparation facts

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Prep Time: 9 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups packed fresh basil

1/4 cup walnuts

1 clove garlic, peeled

1 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp crushed red-pepper flakes

8 oz multigrain angel hair pasta

1/4 cup chopped tomato (optional)

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

In a food processor, place the basil, walnuts, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper flakes. Process, stopping the machine once or twice to scrape down the sides, until finely pureed. Scrape into a serving bowl.

Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.

Stir 2 or 3 tablespoons of the pasta water into the pesto to warm it and make it creamier. Add the pasta and toss, adding more pasta water if dry. Sprinkle with the tomato, if using, and the cheese.

Copyright © 2005 by Rodale Inc.

Nutrition facts

Serving Size 1 serving
Calories 260
Calories from Fat 94 (36%)
% Daily Value*
17%Total Fat 11g
2%Cholesterol 5mg
11%Sodium 260mg
11%Total Carbohydrate 34g
24%Dietary Fiber 6g
20%Protein 10g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition facts are calculated by a food expert using nutritional values provided by the USDA for common products used as recipe ingredients. Actual nutritional values may differ depending on the amounts or products used and can be affected by cooking methods.