Wednesday

Pepita Pesto Pasta with Roasted Squash

I just had the most amazing lunch.


I found this recipe in Rachel Ray's Magazine and knew immediately it would be a hit.

The very last of my fresh basil couldn't have been put to a better use.
It's really easy and fast to make. And...it has roasted squash. Yum!

Linked with Sunflower Supper Club: Weekend Potluck,
Rattlebridge Farm: Foodie Friday,
Fresh Eggs Daily: Farm Girl Blog Fest,
Six Sisters Stuff: Strut Your Stuff Saturday,
The Chicken Chick: Clever Chicks Blog Hop.

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Pepita Pesto Pasta with Roasted Squash
Serves 4

Salt and pepper
1 pound whole wheat penne
1 1/2 pounds butternut squash or pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cut into bite-size pieces
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (for pesto), plus more for drizzling
Nutmeg, for grating
1 cup packed mixed herbs, such as cilantro, basil and flat leaf parsley
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/3 cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded
2 cloves garlic, crushed or pasted
Juice of 1 lime

Pre-heat the oven to 450ºF.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the starchy cooking water.

While the pasta is working, on a baking sheet, drizzle the squash with olive oil and season with salt, pepper and grated nutmeg. Roast until tender and charred at the edges, about 18 minutes.

Meanwhile, using a food processor, pulse 1/3 cup olive oil, the herbs, cheese, pepitas, chili peppers, garlic and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the pesto, reserved starchy cooking water and the squash to the drained pasta. Toss gently and serve.

6 comments:

  1. Great job on the weight loss challenge. This recipe looks tasty! We haven't yet had frost and I found a basil plant under the tomatoes so if I get another squash in the farm share I've bookmarked it to make.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This not only sounds delicious, your photo is beautiful! New follower via The Country Cook. I would love for you to come share at my Farm Girl Blog Fest: http://fresh-eggs-daily.blogspot.com/2012/11/farm-girl-blog-fest-7.html

    Lisa
    Fresh Eggs Daily

    ReplyDelete
  3. This looks like a lovely pasta dish. Pasta will be the theme for Food on Friday in a couple of weeks time. Thanks so much for following Carole's Chatter. Hope you have a fabulous weekend

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello! I’m stopping in to invite you to join us at the Clever Chicks Blog Hop
    this week!

    http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/11/clever-chicks-blog-hop-7-country-craft.html

    I hope to see you there!
    Cheers!
    Kathy
    The Chicken Chick

    ReplyDelete