Basil Pesto Pasta With Grilled Vegetables Recipes

HEALTHY PESTO PASTA WITH VEGETABLES

Steps:

• BOIL ORZO AND GREEN BEANS: In a medium pot, bring water with a tablespoon of salt to a boil. Add orzo and boil for 5 minutes. Add green beans. Continue boiling for about 5 more minutes until orzo is soft and beans are tender, but both should still have a bit of 'bite' (al dente). Drain well, then add back to pot.
• FINISH THE DISH: Add chopped spinach to orzo in pot and toss well until slightly wilted. Add tomatoes, pesto and enough oil to achieve the consistency you like. Season with salt and pepper to taste. And mix in a squeeze of lemon or lime juice if you like. Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with goat cheese and/or Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

BASIL PESTO PASTA WITH GRILLED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Preheat grill to medium-high. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Combine basil, Parmesan, walnuts, garlic, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper in a food processor; pulse until finely chopped. Slowly pour 1/4 cup oil through the feed tube; continue processing until the mixture is smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl and set aside.
• Combine portobellos, bell peppers, squash, scallions, and the remaining 2 Tbsp. oil, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper in a large bowl; toss to coat.
• Oil the grill grates (see Tip). Grill the vegetables until tender and lightly charred, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Remove from the grill and coarsely chop.
• Cook pasta according to package directions. Add zucchini "noodles" to the pasta during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and zoodles and place in a large bowl.
• Whisk 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water into the pesto. Pour over the pasta and toss to coat, adding more reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Add the grilled vegetables and beans; toss to coat well.