Red Pepper and Pesto Penne
Kelly loved this recipe when she and Kathy made it on one of their aunt-niece weekends. The original recipe from Annie-eats.com used uncooked garlic in the sauce and it was too pungent, so we saute it first.
- Terry
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup roasted red bell pepper (fresh or jarred)
- 1 cup basil leaves
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb. penne pasta
- ¼ cup heavy cream, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
Saute garlic in a little olive oil until softened. Place garlic and pine nuts in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add Parmesan, red pepper, basil leaves, salt and pepper. Pulse until well combined. With the motor running, add olive oil through the feed tube and process until incorporated. Set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot. Add the pesto to the pasta and stir to combine. Stir in heavy cream if desired for a creamier sauce. Heat until warmed through. Serve immediately.