Spinach Pasta with Asparagus Pesto
Green on green pasta and pesto with a zest of lemon is a bright spring meal.
by Rachael Ray | on 04/18/12
Photo credit: Patrick Decker
Ingredients
- Salt and pepper
- 1 pound spinach fettuccine or spinach garganelli
- 1/4 cup pistachios or 3 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 pound thin asparagus, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup mixed fresh parsley, mint and tarragon or basil, loosely packed
- 1/4-1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (about a handful)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- About 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
Serves 4
Preparation
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook to al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the starchy cooking water.
While the pasta is working, in a small skillet, toast the pistachios (or pine nuts).
Using a food processor, puree the asparagus, herbs, cheese, nuts and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. With the machine on, drizzle in about 1/4 cup EVOO; stream in a few more tablespoons EVOO, as needed, to form a smooth pesto.
In a pasta bowl, combine the pasta, pesto and reserved pasta cooking water. Toss for 1-2 minutes to coat.
