Asparagus Pesto Pasta with Roasted Squash
Asparagus Pesto Pasta is a delicious way to celebrate Meatless Monday, with roasted butternut squash and fresh mozzarella.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- Roasted Squash Ingredient
- 1 small butternut squash about 12 oz.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Asparagus Pesto Ingredients:
- 20 stalks asparagus
- a large handful parsley approximately 3/4 cup
- a small handful mint leaves approximately 1/4 cup
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons shelled pistachios
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Romano cheese or Parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pasta Ingredients:
- 1 thinly sliced onion
- 1 chopped tomato
- 13.25 oz. package of shaped pasta
- 6 oz. 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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