Cilantro Pesto Pasta with Roasted Pumpkin & Honey
Total Time
50 minutes
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Rating
5 out of 5 stars
(3)
Ingredients
4 servings
- For the honey roasted pumpkin:
- 3-4 cups cubed pumpkin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Freshly ground salt and pepper
- For the pesto:
- 1 heaping handful cilantro (about 1 small bunch cilantro)
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup roasted pistachios (unsalted is best)
- 2 tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1 small garlic clove
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water to thin the pesto
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from ½ lime)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- For the pasta:
- 10 ounces cavatappi pasta (or pasta of choice)
- To garnish:
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- Roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (add ½ teaspoon more if you like it a little more spicy!)
- Freshly ground salt and pepper
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Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
Place pumpkin cubes on the prepared pan. If you don’t know how to cube a pumpkin, refer to this tutorial. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with honey, chilli powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper. Use tongs or clean hands to toss the pumpkin with the spices and honey so that it’s evenly coated. Roast for 30-35 minutes or until pumpkin cubes are fork tender, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 3
While the pumpkin is roasting, you can make the pesto: add the spinach, cilantro, pistachios, pepitas, garlic, olive oil, water, lime juice, salt and pepper to a food processor and process until smooth, scraping down the sides and processing again, as necessary.
Step 4
Next cook your pasta according to the directions on the package. When done, drain and add to a large bowl and stir in the pesto so that all the noodles are coated. Finally add in the roasted pumpkin. Drizzle with honey and garnish with roasted pepitas and red chili flakes. Taste and add salt and pepper as necessary. Give it a small toss again and then enjoy. This recipe is fabulous with grilled chicken or bacon tossed in, or with salmon. Serves 4 as a main or 6 as a side. Enjoy!
Step 5
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