Asparagus, Spinach, Pesto Pasta

Asparagus, Spinach, Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
1 pound -Asparagus
1/4 cup -Pistachios, or Walnuts or Pecans
1/4 cup - Spinach,
1 clove- Garlic
1/4 cup -Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons - Olive oil
1 teaspoon -lemon juice
1 (12-ounce) - Whole wheat pasta
Directions:

1)Bring pot of water to a boil. When the water is ready, add the asparagus and cook for 3 minutes. Slice off the tips and set aside. Roughly chop the rest.

2)Add a cup of the chopped asparagus to a food processor or bleder along with the spinach, garlic, 2 tablespoons of the pistachios, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until it is a paste; this would serve as your pesto.

3)Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box. Drain the pasta when done.

4) Add 1 cup of the pesto and half of the pasta water. Stir well. If it is too dry, add some more water.

5)Chop the remaining pistachios or any other nut. Serve the pasta and garnish with the pistachios, and more grated parmesan cheese. Season with salt and crushed red chilli.
This can be served with warm bread rolls or salad.

The freshly grated parmesan cheese adds texure to the pasta. Alternatively you can add Olives, and peppers which would make it healthier and colorful!


Courtesy: cooksrecipe