Recipes > > Italian First Course Recipes > Italian Pasta with Pesto Recipes
Photo: Sara Harris
TRADITIONAL ITALIAN RECIPE: Mmmmm…..pasta.
Is there really anything better?
Okay, besides Nutella ( WHICH IS AS BAD AS EATING A LIGHT BULB ) smothered on a slice of bread. I did grow up in the Italy after all. Don't judge me!
However, you really can’t beat a big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs soaked in homemade marinara sauce. Or chicken fettuccini smothered in creamy Alfredo sauce. Add a free salad and bread sticks and you have one of my ultimate comfort dishes.
So, I whipped up this artichoke and walnut pesto last weekend. I thought it would be fun to mix it with the rotini pasta because the pesto gets stuck inside your head and then eventually you have to experiment in the kitchen. Plus, the best thing about this dish, it’s healthy to eat and easy to prepare.
I like growing my own herbs and vegetables. It’s satisfying to be able to walk outside and pick off fresh herbs whenever you want to cook with them. That’s why it’s so frustrating when the cold comes in and wants to jack up my basil. But like every responsible basil parent, I know the response, pesto time.
( if you don't have a garden... a large pot and a balcony and REALLY do the work )
Artichokes are really a wonderful alternative to the more common Basil based Pesto Sauce for your pastas.
It’s fairly easy to throw together and has no shortage on flavor, so it’s perfect for a quick dinner that looks and tastes like it took much more work than it actually did. There’s a million ways to make pesto... try this one out first... trust me!
Skill Level:  |
Time: 40 Minutes |
Price:  |
Serves: 4 People |
Ingredients:
| Conversions |
Directions:
01 - Wash the Artichokes and remove the outer Leaves.
02 - Cut the Artichoke Leaves and place everything in a small bowl. Mix with Lemon Juice.
03 - In a small frying pan, saute Garlic and Artichoke Leaves in little Oil.
04 - Add some Salt and cook until the Artichoke Leaves are tender.
05 - In the meanwhile lightly toast the Pine Nuts 4 minutes in the oven.
06 - Place Artichoke Mix, Pine Nuts, Herbs, Cheese and some extra Oil into the electric mixer and blend everything untill well smooth.
07 - Cook the Pasta into salted water. While it's cooking roughly grind the Walnuts and keep them on the side.
08 - Drain the Pasta and combine with the Pesto.
09 - Add some Oil and Pepper.
10 - Place into plates and top everything with crushed Walnuts. Serve.
Notes:
- You can squeeze a lemon... if you wish! It tastes good!
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