Gluten Free Penne with Pistachio Pesto and Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe

Gluten Free Penne with Pistachio Pesto and Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe

  • 1 (12 ounce) box Barilla Gluten Free Penne
  • 2 medium heirloom tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 10 leaves fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsalted pistachios
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
  • 3 ice cubes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  1. Place diced tomatoes in a large mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle tomatoes with olive oil and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt. Cook pasta 1 minute less than required cooking time on package.
  3. Combine basil, pistachio, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and romano cheese in a blender. Pulse on medium high for 15 seconds. Turn blender to medium speed and slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil to emulsify the pesto. Add ice cubes and blend to combine. Pour pesto into a large mixing bowl.
  4. Drain pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Add pasta and pasta cooking water to pesto.
  5. Top with the heirloom tomatoes before serving.