The Nutrition Source: Whole Wheat Penne with Pistachio Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Recipe courtesy of The Culinary Institute of America

Serves 4

• 8 ounces pistachios, unsalted, roasted, shelled (about 1½ cups)
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup pecorino cheese, grated fresh (1 ounce)
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• ½ cup silken tofu, reduced-fat (about 3 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups whole wheat penne pasta, hot, cooked (about 8 ounces uncooked tube-shaped pasta)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup pasta cooking water, reserved

Place first 4 ingredients in a food processor and process until finely minced. Add tofu and lemon juice. Process until smooth. With processor on, slowly pour oil through food chute, and process until well blended. Reserve.

Combine penne, cherry tomatoes, and pesto in a large bowl; toss gently. Use pasta water to thin as needed.

Calories: 630 ⁄ Protein: 26 g ⁄ Carbohydrate: 62 g ⁄ Fiber: 14 g ⁄ Sodium: 270 mg
Saturated fat: 5 g ⁄ Polyunsaturated fat: 9 g ⁄ Monounsaturated fat: 19 g ⁄
Trans fat: 0 g ⁄ Cholesterol: 5 mg

Copyright © The Culinary Institute of America