Asparagus Pesto Pasta is a delicious way to celebrate Meatless Monday, with roasted butternut squash and fresh mozzarella.
Prep Time1 hourhr30 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 8
Ingredients
Roasted Squash Ingredient
1small butternut squashabout 12 oz.
3tablespoonsolive oil
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
1/2teaspoonground ginger
1/4teaspoonground cardamom
1/4teaspoonwhite pepper
1/2teaspoonsalt
Asparagus Pesto Ingredients:
20stalks asparagus
a large handful parsleyapproximately 3/4 cup
a small handful mint leavesapproximately 1/4 cup
2garlic cloves
3/4cupolive oil
2tablespoonsshelled pistachios
2tablespoonsfreshly grated Romano cheeseor Parmesan
1/2teaspooncrushed red pepper
1/4teaspoonsalt
Pasta Ingredients:
1thinly sliced onion
1chopped tomato
13.25oz.package of shaped pasta
6oz.chopped fresh mozzarella
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Peel and remove seeds from squash. Cut into bite size pieces and toss with the spices and olive oil. Place in an oven proof dish and roast for 45 - 1 hour minutes, until fork tender.
While the squash is in the oven, make the pesto.
Remove the woody ends of the asparagus and cut into thirds.
Bring a pot of water to the boil. Add asparagus and boil for 3 minutes.
Drain and transfer to the food processor or blender. Add parsley, mint and garlic. Process well.
With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until you have a smooth paste like consistency.
Add pistachios, cheese, salt and pepper. Process well until thoroughly combined.
Set aside until ready to use.
Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water, until al dente.
Heat a large skillet with the oil. Add onion and cook until the onions change color and start to caramelize. Add tomato, 2/3 cup water and pesto. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add roasted squash, pasta and fresh tomato. Toss well to combine.
Add mozzarella and adjust salt, if necessary.
Stir to combine.
Notes
Notes: To convert it to a non-Vegetarian meal, you can add some grilled chicken, ground turkey or leftover pernil (roast pork)
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