Asparagus and Tomato Pesto Pasta

I have been craving some good Italian and my husband loves asparagus so I was positive he would like this recipe.  And he did..he mentioned multiple times it was very good.  I loved it as well and will definitely be making it again. I made the pesto earlier on in the day and it was really easy.

Mixed herb pesto

2 Tbsp pine nuts (I just went to winco and filled up a bag with about 2 tbsp of pine nut) it only cost me 65 cents.
2 garlic cloves (I as always used the diced garlic cloves that you store in the fridge)
1 1/2 cups fresh flat leaf parsley
1 cup mixed herbs. (I used dry, so I put less then 1 cup but would recommend using fresh and I used Basil, oregano and thyme)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Put nuts and cloves in a food processor and process until minced.  Add parsley, herbs, salt and Parmesan cheese and process until herbs are finely minced.  Slowly pour olive oil into processor while going until its mixed in.  Spoon into a zip lock bag and store in fridge.

 Asparagus and Tomato Pesto Pasta

8 oz whole wheat uncooked spaghetti
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (this gives it a little kick so leave it out if you don't want spicy)
2 1/2 cups sliced asparagus
1 1/2 cups grape tomato's halved
2 garlic cloves minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
2 tbsp mixed herb pesto (recipe above)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese


Cook pasta according to package directions.  I left out any fat or salt. 
After pasta is cooked reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. 

Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat.  Add Asparagus and red peppers and cook for five minutes or until asparagus is tender. 

Add Tomatoes and garlic, cook about 1 minute.  Add remaining ingredients and pasta, toss well.  Add the reserved water if needed.  Cook for 1 minute.

The green blob on top of the pasta is the pesto.  YUMMY!

If your family doesn't like whole wheat pasta, I recommend this brand.  It was really good and my husband (the picky one) could not even tell it was whole wheat. 

Serves 4- Serving size about 1 1/2 cups
Cal. 336, Fat 10.1,  Protein 12.1, Carbs 50.5, fiber 3.8, WWPP 9

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