Cheese Basil Pine Nut Pasta Food

PASTA WITH BACON, CHEESE, LEMON AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Put a large pot of salted water on to boil. Put the cheese, herbs and red pepper flakes on the table. Zest the lemon and put the zest on the table in a small serving bowl. Cut the lemon in half.
• Put bacon in a medium-size heavy pot and turn the heat on low. Cook, turning occasionally, until fat has rendered and bacon is chewy-crisp, about 10 minutes. Lift out bacon pieces and drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Keep warm on top of the stove.
• When the water boils, add pasta, stir well and cover. When the water comes back to the boil, uncover and stir again.
• Put 4 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan and melt it over medium-low heat. When it foams, throw in the pine nuts and cook, shaking the pan, until they turn brown and toasty. Turn off heat and squeeze the lemon into the pan, cupping your hand underneath to catch any pits. Stir and set aside. Transfer bacon to a serving bowl and place on the table.
• As soon as the pasta is tender (it will cook a bit more later on), drain it, reserving a cup of the cooking water. Immediately return the pasta to the pan over low heat. Toss in a chunk of butter. Add a splash of cooking water and a pinch of salt, stir well, cover and let rest 1 minute. Taste and adjust the seasonings until the pasta is completely cooked and tasty (but plain).
• For those who like plain pasta or pasta with just butter and cheese, set aside a good amount in serving bowls. For others, pour the pine nuts and butter into the pasta remaining in the pot, add another splash of cooking water, and toss to combine. Serve from the pot or in a serving bowl, passing the various toppings.

PASTA WITH TOMATOES, PINE NUTS AND BASIL

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add pine nuts and garlic and sauté until light brown, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and next 3 ingredients and heat through. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over pasta and toss thoroughly. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve immediately, passing additional Parmesan separately.

PEPPER & LEMON SPAGHETTI WITH BASIL & PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the pepper and cook for 5 mins. Meanwhile, cook the pasta for 10-12 mins until tender.
• Add the courgette and garlic to the pepper and cook, stirring very frequently, for 10-15 mins until the courgette is really soft.
• Stir in the lemon zest and juice, basil and spaghetti (reserve some pasta water) and toss together, adding a little of the pasta water until nicely coated. Add the pine nuts, then spoon into bowls and serve topped with the parmesan, if using.

BASIL PESTO FARFALLE W/ROASTED PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Boil Farfalle according to instructions. Al Dente works the best.
• Meanwhile: Add 2 cups Parmesan cheese, 2 packages fresh basil, garlic, salt, and 1/2-package pine nuts in food processor.
• Slowly pour the olive oil while blending all ingredients together.
• Set aside.
• Toast the remaining pine nuts in a splash of olive oil until golden brown.
• Set aside.
• Rinse pasta.
• Stir in the cheese/basil mixture.
• Blend in the remaining 2 cups Parmesan and the toasted pine nuts.
• Serve warm or cold.

BASIL PASTA SHELLS

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onions in oil until tender. Stir in the tomatoes, bacon, basil and pepper; cook and stir until tomatoes are softened. Rinse and drain pasta; stir into tomato mixture. Add half of the cheese. , Transfer to a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

THREE-CHEESE AND BASIL GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

Steps:

• Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• Spread 1/2 teaspoon mayonnaise on each slice of bread. Place bread slices mayo-side down in the hot skillet. Place jalapeno Jack cheese on 1 slice of bread, and top with tomato slices. Place mozzarella cheese on the other slice, top with basil, then top with Cheddar cheese. Cook until bread turns golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully invert the piece with the tomato onto the piece with the basil.