Pesto Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes Food

PESTO PASTA WITH CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Place the pesto ingredients into a food processor and pulse until you reach your desired consistency.
• Toss the tomatoes with the olive oil, garlic, salt, red peeper flakes, and pepper and set aside.
• Heat a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta until it is "al dente".
• Drain the pasta, then return to the pot.
• Add the pesto and cherry tomatoes and toss with the hot pasta over medium high heat until piping hot.
• Serve in individual bowls, passing the cheese at the table.

PASTA WITH CHERRY TOMATOES & PESTO

Steps:

• Put a pot with 4 quarts of water and 2 teaspoons salt on to boil.
• Meanwhile, with the motor of a food processor running, drop garlic and pine nuts down the feed tube.
• When pureed, push down the sides and add basil, salt and oil, puree.
• Add cheese and pulse just until mixed (This may also be done in a blender or with a mortar and pestle).
• Put pesto in a small bowl.
• You should have about 3/4 cup pesto.
• Cook pasta according to package directions until firm but tender, about 10 minutes.
• Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
• Put pasta in a large mixing bowl.
• Add between half and two-thirds of the pesto and toss, adding just enough of the cooking water to make an even sauce.
• Add tomatoes, toss again and serve.
• Pass around additional grated cheese if desired.

PESTO PASTA WITH SPINACH, ASPARAGUS, AND CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Make pesto: Combine basil, pine nuts, oil and garlic in a food processor. Blend until paste forms, stopping often to push down basil. Add cheeses and sea salt. Blend until smooth. Transfer to small bowl. (Makes about 2/3 cup. Can be made 1 day ahead. Top with 1/4 inch olive oil and chill.).
• Prepare pasta: Cook pasta per package directions. Drain and return to pot.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat while pasta cooks. Add asparagus and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook 4 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until asparagus are tender 2-3 minutes longer. Remove from heat.
• Add pesto, spinach, and chicken (if using) to pasta and toss until well-combined. Sprinkle with grated or shaved Parmesan. Serve warm, or chill and serve cold.