RED PESTO RIGATONI

Red Pesto Rigatoni image

Provided by Molly Baz

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 oil-packed anchovy fillets
4 garlic cloves, smashed
¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup raw walnuts
3 Tbsp. double concentrated tomato paste
2 red Fresno chiles, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
3 oz. Parmesan, finely grated
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
½ tsp. kosher salt, plus more
1 lb. rigatoni
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Steps:

Cook anchovies, garlic, oil, and walnuts in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, until nuts are deep golden and garlic is just turning golden, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring often, until it turns a shade darker, about 2 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.
Scrape walnut mixture, including the oil, into a food processor and add chiles, Parmesan, lemon juice, and ½ tsp. salt; pulse until a thick paste forms. Scrape pesto into a large bowl.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1½ cups pasta cooking liquid.
Add butter, then pasta and ½ cup pasta cooking liquid to pesto. Using tongs, toss vigorously, adding more pasta cooking liquid as needed, until pasta is glossy and well coated with sauce. Taste and season with more salt if needed.
Do Ahead: Pesto can be made 5 days ahead. Cover and chill.