| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 550 | 25g | 6g | 70g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 7g | 15g | 0.5g |
If there’s one thing I adore just as much as hearty New England seafood, it’s the versatility and health benefits of beautiful, fresh produce. Case in point, my delightful Vegetable-based dish: Shepherd’s Purse Pesto Pasta. This recipe just bursts with flavor and color and is perfect for a health-conscious weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party.
A Burst of Fresh Flavor and Healthful Goodness
The charm of the Shepherd’s Purse Pesto Pasta lies not just in its taste but in its health profile too. Shepherd’s Purse, the star ingredient here, is packed with vitamins and minerals. Naturally high in Vitamin C, calcium, and beta carotene creates a natural symphony of goodness in every forkful. Paired with the fiber-rich pasta and the healthy fats of olive oil and almonds, you can tuck into this dish, knowing it’s as good for your body as it is for your palate.
A Taste Symphony to Savor
This jaw-droppingly delightful dish contains a combination of explosive flavors that truly bring your plate to life. You have the slight pepperiness of the Shepherd’s Purse tempered by the smoky almonds, the tangy burst of lemon, and the parmesan’s unmissable rich umami. But there’s a secret weapon- the Kalamata olives. They bring a slight bitterness and saltiness that elevates the whole dish to another level.
If you’re a fan of classic Italian Pesto pasta, you’re bound to fall for Shepherd’s Purse Pesto Pasta. It brings a fresh twist to the traditional green sauce pasta with its unique choice of greens and the addition of tangy tomatoes and olives.
It pairs wonderfully with light, citrusy white wines or a tangy Caesar salad on the side. Or you can serve it up with some.bruschetta for a Mediterranean-themed evening.
And yes, while from the outside, it might seem quite different from my signature seafood dishes, it isn’t. At its heart, the Shepherd’s Purse Pesto Pasta is about celebrating freshness and flavor—just like a clam chowder or a lobster roll. It’s about taking what’s in season and elevating it to its highest potential. Consider this my ode to vegetables. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 cup fresh shepherd’s purse
- 3/4 cup parmesan, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup roasted unsalted almonds
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Method
Step One
Boil the pasta in a large pot filled with salted water, according to the instructions on its package. Once cooked, drain and set aside but save a cup of the pasta water.
Step Two
While the pasta is cooking, start making the pesto sauce. In a food processor, add the shepherd’s purse, grated parmesan, roasted almonds, garlic cloves, olive oil, and some salt and pepper. Process until the ingredients form a smooth, creamy mixture. You may need to pause the processor and scrape down the sides a few times to ensure everything is well combined.
Step Three
Pour the pesto sauce over the drained pasta, add in a bit of the saved pasta water, and stir well until all the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. The starches in the pasta water will help the sauce adhere to the pasta. You may not need all of the pasta water so add it gradually.
Step Four
Next, add the cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, finely grated lemon zest, basil leaves, and lemon juice to the pasta. Toss well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Step Five
Do a final taste test and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if required. Divide among serving plates and top each with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan, if desired.
Step Six
Serve the Shepherd’s Purse Pesto Pasta immediately, while it’s still warm. Pair with a glass of white wine and enjoy!
