Penne Pasta with Grilled Vegetables and Walnut Pesto

Serving Size: 10

This pasta dish is loaded with grilled fresh vegetables and tossed in a walnut pesto. A great choice for Summer entertaining, as it's delicious at room temperature.

Recipe by: Mayumi Tavalero

Cook Times

Active Prep15

Hands-On Cook15

Hands-Off Cook10

Passive0

Total Time40

Recipe Serving Size10

Cooking Tools Required

5-quart saucepot, Colander, Cutting board, Food Processor, Grill, Kitchen towels, Measuring cups and spoons, Sharp Knives, Spatula

Ingredients

1 pound penne pasta cooked al-dente
2 zucchini sliced lengthwise, about 3/8 inch thick
1 yellow squash sliced lengthwise, about 3/8 inch thick
4 tomato whole
1 pound asparagus trimmed
4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoon Kosher salt for pasta water and pasta, more or less to taste

For the food processor:

1 cup fresh basil firmly packed
¼ cup walnuts chopped
2 clove garlic finely chopped
¼ teaspoon Kosher salt more or less to taste
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Mix in by hand:

¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
2 tablespoon pecorino Romano cheese grated

Instructions

Coat prepared vegetables with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Grill vegetables slices, whole asparagus, and whole tomatoes until desired doneness. Chop into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
To make the pesto, wash and dry basil thoroughly. Place basil, pine nuts, chopped garlic, and salt in the work bowl of a food processor. Process quickly to make a coarse paste. With the motor running add the olive oil, and process for another 5 seconds. Place pesto in a medium bowl and mix in the cheeses. Mix in butter if using. If pesto is too thick add a bit more olive oil. Taste and correct for salt.
Put the desired amount of pesto in a large bowl (enough to accommodate all the pasta and vegetables, plus room for tossing). Add the cooked pasta, toss thoroughly, adding more pesto to taste. Add diced grilled vegetables, gently toss again. Adjust seasonings. Top with additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Reheating Instructions

Heat in the microwave on medium heat until heated through, or in a saute pan over medium heat.

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