Sunflower-Basil Pesto Tagliatelle for Two
Description
A homemade sunflower seed and basil pesto shines in this romantic tagliatelle pasta dish for two that's perfect for date night, or any weeknight.
Ingredients
•
1 cup packed fresh basil
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1/2 cup fresh parsley
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1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
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1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
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2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese
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1 large lemon, juiced
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2 cloves garlic, crushed
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1/3 teaspoon sea salt
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8 ounces tagliatelle pasta
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1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
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sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste
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1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino-Romano cheese, or to taste
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
1
Combine basil, parsley, oil, sunflower seeds, Pecorino cheese, lemon juice, garlic, and salt for pesto in a food processor; process until desired texture is reached. Reserve 4 tablespoons pesto for pasta dish; save remaining pesto for another use.
2
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, 9 to 10 minutes.
3
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Add garlic and pepper flakes until things start bubbling and popping; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add onions, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook and stir for 4 minutes.
4
Drain tagliatelle, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water; transfer pasta immediately into the skillet. Add 4 tablespoons pesto and reserved pasta water; toss everything together until pesto is evenly distributed.
5
Remove from heat and toss together with Pecorino and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if desired.