Red Pepper Pesto Pasta Recipes

ROASTED RED PEPPER PESTO PASTA RECIPE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta according to the DeLallo package instructions, approximately 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and pour back in the pot.
• While the pasta is cooking, chop the walnuts in a food processor. Pour the walnuts into a small bowl then add the roasted red peppers, fresh basil, and garlic to the food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
• Add the Parmesan cheese, chopped walnuts, olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the food processor, Pulse to combine. Salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour the pesto over the cooked and drained pasta and toss to coat. Serve warm.

SPICY RED PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Prepare the pesto: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts, tomato paste, garlic and red-pepper flakes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring, until mixture is toasted and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl to let cool for a few minutes.
• Add the roasted red peppers and Parmesan to a food processor. Top with the cooled tomato mixture and the remaining 2/3 cup olive oil, and pulse the mixture until you form a paste. (It makes 2 cups.)
• Season the boiling water generously with salt, then add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 1/2 cups pasta water, then drain the pasta.
• Return the pasta to the pot, along with about 1 1/2 cups of the red pesto and 1 cup of the pasta water, and stir vigorously until the sauce is glossy and the pasta is evenly coated. Stir in additional pesto or pasta water to taste. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Divide among bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan and top with torn basil. Shave some fresh lemon zest on top, if using. Serve immediately.