checking off my list. [linguine w. grilled asparagus pesto & lemon zest]

December 10th, 2013 by | comments

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How is Christmas only two weeks away?! I’m having a minor panic attack, as I’m behind on just about everything–shopping, decorating, holiday baking, etc. But I’m kicking it in gear this week and going to check some things off my list. Baking is first on the list, of course. :)


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linguine w. grilled asparagus pesto & lemon zest
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
 
Ingredients
  • 1 bag (8 oz.) Trader Joe's Garlic Basil Linguine
  • 12 oz. asparagus, woody ends removed, then tossed in olive oil
  • ½ cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 3 cubes Dorot frozen crushed garlic (from Trader Joe's)
  • ¼ - ½ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Grilled chicken, if desired
Instructions
  1. Heat an indoor skillet over medium-high heat, then lightly spray with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, lightly cover asparagus with olive oil. Transfer asparagus to grill and cook about 5 minutes, or until cooked and grill marks appear. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts and toast until golden brown. Remove from heat.
  3. In a food processor, pulse toasted pine nuts and garlic until finely chopped. Add grilled asparagus. Gradually add olive oil while pulsing mixture, until asparagus is finely chopped and incorporated. Transfer pesto to a medium bowl, then stir in Parmesan and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a dash of salt and the linguine to the water; cook 4-6 minutes, or until pasta reaches desired texture. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water then drain pasta in a colander. Return pasta and reserved cooking water to the pot. Add pesto (will only use about ¾ of pesto) and lemon juice, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve pasta hot; add grilled chicken on top, if desired.

 

 

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16 thoughts on “checking off my list. [linguine w. grilled asparagus pesto & lemon zest]”

  3. For reals! Seems like we just had Turkey Day and now I’ve got to start making Christmas cookies, oof. Anyway — this pasta looks great. I love pesto. :)

  4. I don’t think you are alone in having a pre holiday panic attack! Weeks seem to go by quicker in the month of December! I immediately got sad to see the Trader Joe’s brand of linguine, I miss that store from Atlanta but have heard they will be heading to South Florida in 2014! Any pasta dish is comfort to me and this pesto sauce sounds really good, just enough, not overpowering, just as I like!

  7. I have a recipe for asparagus pesto on my blog as well! So tasty :) I have done this, but with broccoli too – great results.

  8. This looks simple – and delicious!! I had a bit of a panic attack today ’cause my sons and their families are arriving this coming Saturday for what we call our ‘Roy Christmas’. I’m feeling a bit better now that I’ve gotten the tree up but it’s still gonna be touch & go to be ready in a few days. (Still gotta make the French Canadian Meat Pies etc. etc. etc…..) ; o )

  13. i know how you feel..there’s just so much to get done! This looks really yummy…i’m going to have to be on the lookout for that tjs pasta.

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