Almond Garlic Pasta

By barbyrabaker

Ingredients

• 4 oz slivered almonds
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup water
• 16 oz pasta
• 2 T. olive oil
• 3 T. butter
• 16 oz. frozen peas
• 1/2 c shredded parmesan
• 1 T fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 C basil
• 1/3 C mint
• 1/3 C chopped roasted almonds
• 9 ounce bag baby spinach
• 1 can mandarin oranges
• Balsamic vinaigrette
• Garlic bread

Preparation

Step 1

Puree blanched almonds, garlic, water and 1/4 t salt until smooth. Set aside
Cook pasta. When ready, reserve 3 C pasta cooking water.
Heat oil and 1 T butter over medium heat until bubbly. Add almond paste to butter and whisk occasionally for 2-3 minutes. Add reserved pasta water, salt and pepper to taste, and simmer until thickened. Add remaining 2 T butter, whisk until melted. Add pasta and peas. Stir well. Add cheese, lemon juice, & stir well. Remove from heat, stir in half of the chopped basil and mint. Serve topped with remaining basil, mint, and roasted almonds. Serve with garlic bread and spinach/mandarin orange salad with balsamic vinagrette