Pasta & Mixed Peppers With Walnut & Lemon Pesto

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 1
Pasta & Mixed Peppers With Walnut & Lemon Pesto - A Fresh and Zesty Italian Dish
in Pasta

Prep

10 min

Cook

25 min

Ready In

35 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

25 g walnut pieces
2 garlic cloves , crushed
1 large lemon , zest of
25 g fresh parsley
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 small red onions , quartered and separated into pieces
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
250 g pasta , shapes
250 g mixed peppers , antipasto drained and sliced
50 g vegetarian parmesan cheese , finely grated , plus extra shavings to serve

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4
Calories
728
Sugar
9g
Fat
40g
Pasta is a staple dish in Italian cuisine, and this recipe puts a modern twist on it by using antipasto and a zesty walnut and lemon pesto sauce. The mix of pasta and mixed peppers provides both texture and flavor, while the pesto adds a tangy kick to the dish. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or as a dish to share with family and friends. The flavors of the caramelized red onions, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley add depth and complexity to the dish.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan)/220°C/gas 7.
2.Spread the walnuts over a baking tray and roast for 5–6 minutes until golden brown.
3.Using a pestle and mortar or a hand blender, make the pesto by blitzing together the roasted walnuts, crushed garlic, lemon zest, fresh parsley, and 4 tablespoons of olive oil until smooth.
4.Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the quartered red onions and fry for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized.
5.Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water with the mixed peppers.
6.Drain the pasta and peppers, reserving a mugful of the pasta cooking water.
7.Return the pasta and peppers to the pot, then add the caramelized onions, pesto, and grated parmesan. Toss to coat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed.
8.Serve hot, topped with extra parmesan shavings and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

PROS

This dish is a fresh and zesty take on classic Italian pasta, bursting with flavor and color.
It’s also a great way to use up any leftover antipasto.

The walnut and lemon pesto is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pesto since it contains no basil or pine nuts.

CONS

This dish is quite heavy on carbs and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The ingredients may be a bit expensive, especially the vegetarian parmesan cheese.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The walnuts in the pesto are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, and are known to support heart health and promote weight management.
The mixed peppers are also a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as antioxidants.

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