Whole Wheat Penne with Pistachio Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
Recipe courtesy of The Culinary Institute of America
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- About 1½ cups pistachios, unsalted, roasted, shelled (8 ounces)
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup pecorino cheese, grated fresh (1 ounce)
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- ½ cup silken tofu, reduced-fat (about 3 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups whole wheat penne pasta, hot, cooked (about 8 ounces)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pasta cooking water, reserved
Preparation:
- Place pistachios, mint leaves, pecorino cheese, and garlic in a food processor and process until finely minced. Add tofu and lemon juice. Process until smooth. With processor on, slowly pour oil through food chute, and process until well blended. Reserve.
- Combine penne, cherry tomatoes, and pesto in a large bowl; toss gently. Use pasta water to thin as needed.