Asparagus and Pistachio Pesto Pasta
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 4 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 4 servings
- Calories
- 765
- Total Fat
- 30
- Saturated Fat
- 5
- Carbohydrates
- 101
- Dietary Fiber
- 10
- Sugar
- 8
- Protein
- 25
- Cholesterol
- 6
- Sodium
- 767
- Total: 25 min
- Prep: 15 min
- Cook: 10 min
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
Directions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook's Note: The pesto can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.