Best Farfalle With Pesto Recipes

BASIL PESTO FARFALLE W/ROASTED PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Boil Farfalle according to instructions. Al Dente works the best.
• Meanwhile: Add 2 cups Parmesan cheese, 2 packages fresh basil, garlic, salt, and 1/2-package pine nuts in food processor.
• Slowly pour the olive oil while blending all ingredients together.
• Set aside.
• Toast the remaining pine nuts in a splash of olive oil until golden brown.
• Set aside.
• Rinse pasta.
• Stir in the cheese/basil mixture.
• Blend in the remaining 2 cups Parmesan and the toasted pine nuts.
• Serve warm or cold.

FARFALLE WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
• Drain and rinse with cold water; drain again.
• In a food processor or blender, process the pine nuts, garlic and basil leaves until finely chopped.
• With the processor running, pour in the olive oil until combined.
• Add the cheese, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
• Toss the pesto with the pasta.
• Mix in the peas, cucumber and green onions.
• Serve garnished with basil leaves.

FARFALLE PASTA WITH BEET VINAIGRETTE AND PARSLEY PESTO

Steps:

• For the parsley pesto: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the kosher salt until the water tastes like seawater and stir to blend. Add the parsley and cook for 1 minute, and then remove with a slotted spoon. Immediately plunge leaves into an ice bath and allow to cool, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain the leaves slightly and then put them in the blender with the sugar and olive oil. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add some water to facilitate blending. Taste for seasoning. Stir in the scallions and set aside in a bowl large enough to hold the pasta.
• For the beet vinaigrette: Put the beet pieces in a medium saucepan and add 1 cup of water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Allow it to reduce until there is about 1/4 cup liquid. Add the remaining 1 cup of water and reduce again until you have only 1/4 cup left. Season to taste. Remove from the heat and stir in the red wine vinegar and olive oil.
• For the pasta: In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt; the pasta water should taste like seawater. Add the pasta to the pot and stir so it doesn't stick to the bottom as it cooks. Cook the pasta until al dente (chewy but not hard or raw tasting) 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving some pasta cooking liquid in case you need it later.
• To serve: Pour the pasta into the bowl with the parsley pesto. Add the beet vinaigrette and butter and toss to blend. Add the Parmesan and finely sliced beet greens, if using. Serve immediately. Alternatively, you can drizzle the red beet vinaigrette over the pasta for a different color effect.

FARFALLE WITH CREAMY PESTO

Steps:

• Cook pasta in boiling, salted water until al dente.
• While pasta is cooking, combine remaining ingredients except Parmesan in a food processor and process for 30 seconds.
• (To release more flavor from basil leaves, place them in a small plastic bag and bruise with a meat mallet before adding to food processor).
• Drain pasta and toss with sauce in a serving bowl.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

FARFALLE WITH PESTO SAUCE, STRING BEANS AND POTATOES

Steps:

• With a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic with a teaspoon of salt. Add the pine nuts and gradually add the basil and the oil, a little at a time. Grind until the ingredients have been reduced to a paste (this may also be done in a blender or food processor). Add the grated cheese and pepper and mix well.
• Bring six quarts of salted water to a roiling boil. Add the potatoes and the farfalle and cook together for about five minutes. Add the beans. Cook until the farfalle is al dente, and drain.
• Put the farfalle and vegetables in a large serving bowl. Add the pesto, toss thoroughly, correct seasoning and serve. Pass extra grated Parmesan cheese separately.