Spinach Pasta with Asparagus pesto

By Tufgrlz

Ingredients

• Salt and pepper
• 1 pound spinach fettuccine or spinach garganelli
• 1/4 cup pistachios or 3 tbsp. pine nuts
• 1 pound thin asparagus, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup loosely packed mixed fresh parsley, mint, and tarragon or basil
• 1/4 - 1/3 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano (about a handful)
• 1/2 lemon, juices
• 1/3 About 1/3 cup EVOO

Preparation

Step 1

1.Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2.While the pasta is working, in a small skillet, toast the pistachios (or pine nuts).
3.Using a food processor, puree the asparagus, herbs, cheese, nuts and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. With the machine on, drizzle in about 1/4 cup EVOO; stream in a few more tbsp. EVOO as needed to form a smooth pesto.
4.In a pasta bowl, combine the pasta, pesto and reserved pasta cooking water. Toss for 1 to 2 minutes to coat.