PISTACHIO PESTO WITH ANGEL HAIR PASTA

Pistachio Pesto with Angel Hair Pasta image

Provided by Roger Mooking

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package angel hair pasta
1/2 cup Pistachio Pesto, recipe follows
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup Parmesan ribbons, shaved with a vegetable peeler, for garnish
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half, for garnish
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, for garnish
8 cups fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup unsalted pistachios, toasted and crushed in a mortar and pestle
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 cloves garlic
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
Heat a large saute pan. Place the Pistachio Pesto, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (more if needed) and olive oil in the pan. Toss to incorporate. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, gently fold into the Pistachio Pesto mixture, season with salt and pepper and divide among serving plates. Garnish with the Parmesan ribbons, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves and sprinkle with pepper.
In batches, place the basil leaves, oil, pistachios, Parmesan and garlic in a blender and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Place the Pistachio Pesto in a container. Cover the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.