Sunday, March 4, 2018

Mushroom Penne With Walnut Pesto

Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto




INGREDIENTS:


for the pasta

  • 8 ounces penne pasta (I like to use whole wheat)
  • 4 tablespoons Butter
  • 16 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms (Note: I used 24 oz)
  • 1/4 cup grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
  • salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for topping

for the walnut pesto

  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 1/2 cups packed greens (spinach, basil, parsley, anything you like – but keep some basil for a more traditional pesto flavor)
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:

  • 1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • 2. Toast the walnuts in a small sauté pan over low heat with no butter or oil – stir and shake the pan until the walnuts are fragrant and toasty (about 5 minutes). In a food processor, combine all the ingredients for the walnut pesto and pulse until mostly smooth. (Note: I processed the pesto in my vitamix and it's a smaller amount and it didn't get smooth very easily. It was chunky and we actually preferred it that way! It kept a crunch on top and we looooved it. I will be making it this way in the future as well. You can definitely process until smooth but we loved the chunky pesto!).
  • 3. Heat the butter over medium heat in a wide skillet. Add the mushrooms and saute for 8-10 minutes, until the mushrooms are a deep golden brown. Add the penne pasta to the pan and stir to combine, adding Parmesan, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley or other herbs to taste.
  • 4. Divide the pasta between 4-6 bowls and top with a generous spoonful of the walnut pesto OR stir the walnut pesto directly into the pasta.
Notes: We love this dish! It's simple and filling and meatless and tasty. I barely had any basil the first time  I made it and just used whatever greens I had on hand and the pesto still tasted great. Definitely toast the walnuts - that step is critical in my opinion. Simple, fast, and tasty!

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