I have discovered a new (to me) pasta shape! Fusilli con buco, or what looks like long curly fat spaghetti.
I thought the pasta would just drink up a nice rustic walnut-basil pesto, and with a toss of sweet grape tomatoes, a sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper and Parmesan cheese it made a perfect 15-minute dinner.
Rustic Walnut Pesto Pasta with Grape Tomatoes:
(serves 2-4, depending on appetite)
8 oz dried fusilli con buco (or your favorite pasta shape)
2 c loosely packed basil leaves
2-3 large garlic cloves
1/3 c walnuts, toasted
1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
Sprinkle salt for taste (if desired)
Olive oil (to desired consistency)
Large handful (about a cup) of sweet grape tomatoes
Directions:
Boil heavily salted water, add pasta. Boil until al dente (about 10 minutes, max).
Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 c pasta cooking water. Meanwhile, puree basil, garlic, walnuts, Parmesan and salt in a food processor, adding oil in a slow drizzle to create the pesto.
Once pasta is cooked and drained, add pesto and pasta water, toss to incorporate, then add whole grape tomatoes. Toss again to coat, plate and top with additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
11 comments:
so happen, i've made pasta with cheery tomato tonite. :D
just wonder walnut is also good for making pesto? i usually use pine nut traditionally.
Hey lululu - too funny about pasta synergy. Great minds think alike! :)
I normally use pine nuts too, but I was out and have tried other pestos with different nuts with good results. The walnut pesto was delicious, it added a rich nuttiness (is that a word?) that was really unique and good.
Minus the tomatoes and I am all over this. No tomatoes because of course I am allergic.
Is it hot there yet???
Love the pesto with walnuts! A delicious, colourful dish!
Oh, Kirsten! I want that pasta shape, too - it looks wonderful!
Adding the tomatoes to something already delicious was a smart move!
Even though pine nuts are most common for pesto, I more often use walnuts--partly because I'm more likely to have them around the house and partly because they really do add a wonderful taste. I've also heard of using pecans for pesto.
This looks so, so satisfying! I like presto with pine nuts, walnuts, and pecans! Bring it on!
I love the shape of those noodles! And I can't wait until the basil is up in the garden to make some pesto of my own.
Hi Peabody - yep, it's very hot here.
Thanks Freya and Patricia! :)
Terry - same with me, walnuts are usually already in the house, plus they do taste good.
Thanks Chris!
I know Brilynn - aren't they cute noodles. I wish I had a garden...but sadly I kill every plant I have ever tried to grow. :(
By FAR my favorite shape of pasta. It is hard to find sometimes but I know that World Market used to carry it!
Hi Kirsten, loved the recipe. Cheated a little and used the store bought pesto from Trader Joe's. Definitely a great and refreshing dish, especially in summer.
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