Rich Man's Toasted Walnut Pesto Pasta

...you'll be rich from all money you didn't spend on the pine nuts and Cuisinart.  Traditionally, a pesto is made in a cuisinart with a lot of olive oil, pine nuts, basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.  I wanted to simplify the recipe and see if it tasted just as good without the cuisinart, loads of oil and parm cheese.   It was awesome! I think this will become a staple because of how easy and delicious and healthy it is!  Yay for new staples!



Serves 4

Ingredients
1 bag whole wheat penne
1 cup walnuts
2 cups basil, very finely minced
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 Portobello mushrooms, chopped (optional)
1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp butter
2 Tbsp olive oil
juice of 1⁄2 a lemon (optional but highly recommended)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
1. Cook Pasta according to package directions.
2. Chop veggies and toast walnuts.  Heat a large pan over medium heat.  Add walnuts and toast for 5 minutes or until fragrant, stirring frequently so they don't burn.  Meanwhile, chop your garlic, basil, and Portobello.  When walnuts are toasted, remove from pan and set aside.
3. Cook veggies and add walnuts.  Add the tsp of butter to the pan.  When melted, add the mushrooms and a few dashes of salt and cook for 6-8 minutes or until soft.  Add garlic and cook for 3 more minutes.  While garlic is cooking, finely chop your walnuts and then add them to the pan.
4. Put it all together.  Your pasta should be finished by now.  Drain, and add it to the pan.  Add basil, the 2 Tbsp of butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper and stir until well incorporated.
5. Serve.  When you've dished out the pasta, drizzle a little olive oil and crushed red pepper (optional) on top.  Serve with a green veggie to make it a well rounded meal!