Blogs

[#1]

Many of you asked on my Facebook page for the recipe to the Pesto Pasta dish I made during my live stream. It is one of the easiest recipes in my arsenal of deliciousness and although I've been making this crowd pleaser for years, it never fails to get compliments from all of my guests.

It can be made ahead of time so you're not stuck in the kitchen when your guests come over. Whether you're serving it as the main course or a side dish, it adds a beautiful color to any table.

Ingredients:

3 cups fresh basil leaves (packed tight)

4-6 cloves of garlic

3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup walnuts

2-3 cups of cooked pasta

1 cup of medium sized cooked shrimp (tails removed)

2 cups fresh arugula

1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (for garnish) a handful of toasted pine nuts (for garnish)

Directions:

Combine basil, garlic, grated parmesan, olive oil, salt and walnuts in a food processor or blender. (I like to use my Vitamix) Blend to a smooth paste.

Pour desired amount of pesto paste onto your pasta and stir until all pasta is coated.

Toss in your shrimp (you can substitute with grilled chicken breast cubes too).

Take arugula and line your serving bowl along the base and edges. Pour in the pesto and pasta and stir. Garnish with shaved Parmesan and pine nuts.

Use tongs to get pasta and arugula on your guest's plates! It gives them the fresh greens of the salad and the heartiness of the pasta all at the same time!

Serve at room temperature and enjoy!!

Xoxo

Alberti

If you would like to see any of my past blogs, they can be found here.