Pesto Rosso Penne Salad Recipes

PASTA PESTO ROSSO

Steps:

• Cut dried tomatoes into short strips (note: this takes time).
• Dice bell pepper and cut zucchini into slices.
• In a saucepan heat oil. Sautee crushed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and rosemary in it until fragrant. Add water, tomato paste and salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-8 minutes until sauce looks nice to you.
• Meanwhile in a big pot of boiling water cook pasta shells for 4 minutes. Then add bell pepper, zucchini and broccoli. Cook for another 4-6 minutes until veggies are tender.
• Drain pasta and veggies.
• Toss with the sauce and add cherry tomatoes to serve. If you like sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

PENNE WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Meanwhile, pluck the basil leaves from the stems (you should have about 2 cups leaves). Wash the leaves in a large bowl of cold water and dry in a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels. Smash and peel the garlic.
• Put the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil and process until the pesto is smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large bowl and stir in the cheese. Season with the salt and some pepper.
• Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil over high heat and salt it generously. Add the penne and boil, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and save about 1/4 cup pasta cooking water. Add the pasta to the bowl. Use tongs and toss with enough of the cooking water so the pesto coats the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
• Upgrades: a. Make the pesto creamy by adding 1/4 cup ricotta cheese when processing the basil, garlic, and pine nuts. This is great with tortellini or ravioli. b. Top dressed pesto pasta with 1/2 pound diced large or halved small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), 3 medium tomatoes cut in large chunks, and 1/2 cup pitted black olives, (we like kalamata for this), roughly chopped. c. Add cooked 1 to 2 cups chicken or shrimp.
• Twists on Pesto: In place of basil, try the following combination: 1 cup parsley, 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves. Substitute walnuts for the pine nuts