Mind Over Matter

This past week I wanted to make a simple pasta dish that would also be good served cold. I decided to go with a pesto idea and it worked out well. Here’s what you’ll need.

Ingredients: Olive oil, penne pasta, a lime or lemon, basil, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and some premade basil pesto.

Step one: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once it boils add some salt and the box of penne pasta. I used the tricolor one. Follow the instructions on the box.

Step two: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a blender, combine the basil leaves, some premade pesto, lemon or lime juice, olive oil salt and pepper. I would recommend adding some other seasonings such as parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic and even pine nuts. I didn’t I kept mine very plain but you can totally go for it! Blend it up until it’s smooth and silky.

Step three: Once the pasta is cooked, use a ladle to scoop out some of the pasta water BEFORE you drain it. You can use this pasta water to moisten the pasta later if need be. Now add the pesto and use as much as you like. I poured all of mine in and wish I made a little more because I had more pasta than pesto. Something to keep in mind for next time! But look at this green color!! Give it a good stir to coat everything well.

I served my pesto with some cherry tomatoes sliced in half and mozzarella balls sliced in half as well. For protein I used chicken breasts but again up to you! Try this simple pesto pasta recipe either cold or warmed up. Enjoy!

Prep: None Cook: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 box of penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella balls (sliced in half)
• 1/4 cup premade pesto sauce
• 1/2 cup basil leaves (rinsed)
• 1 lime (freshly squeezed)
• Salt & Pepper
• Olive Oil