MIXED HERB PESTO PENNE

Mixed Herb Pesto Penne image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts
About 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 cloves garlic, grated or made into a paste
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and freshly ground pepper
About 1/2 cup EVOO
1 pound penne pasta
1 small russet potato, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
1/3 pound haricots verts, trimmed and cut into thirds

Steps:

Place the basil, parsley, cheese, mint, pine nuts, thyme, garlic and lemon juice in a food processor and season with salt and pepper. Turn the processor on and add the EVOO in a slow stream, blending until a thick sauce forms. Transfer to a large bowl.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 6 minutes. Add the potatoes and cook for 1 more minute. Add the haricots verts and cook until the pasta is al dente, 2 to 3 more minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water and add it to the pesto. Drain the pasta, then add it to the bowl with the pesto and toss to coat.