PCA Cooks Vol. 2: Pesto Pasta

This is Cook Club Vol. 2: Pesto Pasta.

On February 27, 2020, the PCA Cook Club showcased a tutorial during lunch hour on how to make pasta with pesto and tomatoes. If you weren’t able to join us, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.

Ingredients:
Pasta (of your choice)
Cherry Tomatoes
Salt
Pepper
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Pesto Sauce
Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Yes! You can make this recipe with whatever pasta you prefer! If you have never noticed, each pasta box has a cook time, whether it be on the side of the box or the bottom (check everywhere, we promise it’s there!)

STEP ONE: Bring your water to a boil in a pot. This will take around 8 minutes to reach a full boil. Around halfway through boiling, add a large heaping of salt to your water (very important).
STEP TWO: Once your water comes to a boil, add in your choice of raw pasta. Once pasta is added, set a timer for yourself 1 minute less than the recommended cook time. This is so you can try the firmness before you strain!
STEP THREE: While the pasta is boiling, this is when you prep the cherry tomatoes. Chop the tomatoes in half, or even in fourths, and set aside.
STEP FOUR: Once the pasta is done cooking, strain the pasta! Tip: Always taste the pasta before you strain it so that you can make sure it’s cooked to your liking.
STEP FIVE: Let the pasta cool while you prepare the sauce. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a pan (or the pot that was being used before) and once the oil heats up, add in your chopped tomatoes. Let the tomatoes warm up in the oil for a minute or two and then add a splash of balsamic vinaigrette. Let this cook for a minute so the tomatoes can soak up the flavors. Add a bit of salt and pepper to taste at this stage.
STEP SIX: Now that the tomatoes have been marinating in this mixture for a bit, it’s time for the sauce! Add in your pesto sauce to the pot to warm up alongside the tomatoes. Once this is warm, add in your pasta!
STEP SEVEN: Mix everything together, and serve! Feel free to add some Parmesan cheese on top. Bon appetite!

Nut free pesto:

Unfortunately, as you may or may not know, pesto can be hazardous to some as it contains nuts (pine nuts). But lucky for you, Youtuber Kenzie Burke has a recipe!

Ingredients:
-2 Cups of Fresh Basil
-½ cup of Hemp Seeds (can be found at Naturalia or Un Monde Vegan)
-½ cup of Olive Oil
-¼ cup of Nutritional yeast (can be found at Un Monde Vegan)
-1 Lemon
-Salt
-Pepper
-Red Pepper Chilli Flakes

Put all ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor and blend until smooth.