Walnut Pesto Parmesan Pasta

Written By Payal Malhotra

Happy Holi & Happy St. Patrick’s Day! No better way to celebrate both holidays with a copious amount of healthy color on your plate. I made this delicious walnut parmesan pesto, and you have to try it!

INGREDIENTS

Serves 2

Ingredients for Pesto

  • 2 large handful of kale, spinach, basil (any greens / herbs you prefer)

  • 4-6 garlic cloves

  • 1/2 C extra virgin olive oil + extra incase it doesn’t fully blend

  • 1/4 C parmesan cheese

  • 1/4 C walnuts or almonds

  • 1 lemon

  • salt, pepper, and chili flakes to taste

Ingredients for Pasta

  • 2 C dry pasta of choice (I used gluten free)

  • saved pasta water

  • 1/4 C parmesan cheese

  • Panko bread crumbs and goat/parmesan cheese to garnish (I used gluten free)

RECIPE

  1. Blend all of your pesto ingredients in a high powered blender. Add olive oil if you need the pesto to loosen.

  2. Boil your pasta till al-dente, saving 1/2 C of pasta water.

  3. Place the pasta back in the pot. Add in 6-8 tbsp of your pesto (you will have some leftover), pasta water, parmesan, and salt/pepper. Rapidly mix over medium heat until sauce starts to thicken and becomes creamy.

  4. Place in a baking dish, and top with panko, dollops of goat cheese, and parmesan.

  5. Bake at 450 for 10-12 minutes until golden-brown and bubbly! Enjoy!

Payal Malhotra
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