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Recipe: Fusilli Pasta with Sweet Pea Pesto and Goat Cheese

30 Oct

Fusilli Pasta with Sweet Pea Pesto and Goat Cheese

Fusilli Pasta with Sweet Pea Pesto and Goat Cheese


Full disclosure: this Fusilli Pasta with Sweet Pea Pesto and Goat Cheese is a Spring dish, but I had a craving so I made it. And I’m not waiting until the earth thaws out to share it.

This recipe combines the pasta, pesto with sweet peas and goat cheese for a dish that’s sweet, pungent and has a light acidity. It’s a great side dish for chicken or fish. Or, you can do like I did, and just eat a big bowl of it.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fusilli pasta
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated romano (or parmesan) cheese
  • 3 oz. goat cheese
  • 1 pound thawed green peas
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Fusilli Pasta with Sweet Pea Pesto and Goat Cheese

Need a quick side dish? Try Fusilli Pasta with Sweet Pea Pesto and Goat Cheese.


Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli in the boiling water until al dente.
  2. Drain pasta, but reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  3. In a food processor, process the garlic, basil and pine nuts until very fine.
  4. Add the olive oil and cheese and process to combine.
  5. Add the peas and season with salt and pepper. Process until all ingredients are smooth.
  6. Spoon the pea pesto into a large bowl then add pasta and toss to coat.
  7. If needed, add pasta water, gradually, to loosen the sauce.
  8. When pasta is thoroughly coated in sauce, crumble in the goat cheese and toss again.
  9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve as a side or as a main course.

The pea pesto will make the pasta look like it’s been hit with green radiation since it’s so bright. That said, this is a delicious pasta dish if you’re looking to trade out alfredo or marinara sauce.

To make this recipe even healthier, I used whole wheat fusilli. Bring some Fusilli Pasta with Sweet Pea Pesto and Goat Cheese to you’re next dinner and you won’t be disappointed.

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Posted by on October 30, 2012 in Cookin', Recipes, Sides

 

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Recipe: Butternut Squash and Kale Salad

14 Aug
Butternut Squash and kale Salad

Butternut Squash and Kale Salad

Kale is a well-known super food. It’s also a very versatile ingredient in the kitchen. This recipe for Butternut Squash and Kale Salad combines two of my favorite ingredients to make a perfect salad.

This salad can be served hot, cold or at room temperature. Adding in toasted almonds gives it a nice crunch and a balsamic vinaigrette gives it a nice acidic kick.

Ingredients:

  • 8 TBSP olive oil
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 3 TBSP balsamic vinegar
    • Butternut Squash and Kale

    Butternut Squash and Kale

  • 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and chopped
  • 1 1/2 cup butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • 3/4 cup almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk 5 TBSP olive oil, balsamic vinegar, shallot and hot sauce. Set aside.
    4. Kale

    Sauteing the Kale

  4. In a medium bowl, combine squash and 2 TBSP oil, season with salt and pepper then toss to combine.
  5. Transfer squash to prepared baking sheet and roast, turning occasionally, for 20 minutes or until tender and lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
  6. While squash is roasting, heat remaining 1 TBSP of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add kale and cook until bright green and slightly wilted (about 1 to 2 minutes).
  7. Remove from heat then add 4 TBSP dressing and toss to coat.
  8. Add squash and almonds to kale and toss well. Season with salt and pepper if necessary.
  9. Divide the salad among bowls and drizzle with remaining dressing.

This Butternut Squash and Kale Salad is fresh, flavorful and full of antioxidants and other nutrients. It can be a main dish or a side dish.

The flavors in this dish pair well with a fish or chicken dish. It’s also perfect for vegetarians and vegans.

 
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Posted by on August 14, 2012 in Cookin', Recipes, Sides

 

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