| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 550 | 35g | 7g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 4.5g | 15g | 0.39g |
There are few things on this Earth that can match the almost reverential pleasure with which I approach the Watercress Pesto Pasta recipe. I happily recall various family gatherings around the dinner table, where conviviality and culinary joy were always intermingled – this dish lives within those fond memories. Of course, the inspiration for this recipe is incredibly personal. Infusing my Italian-American heritage, this dish is a delightful twist on the customary pesto pasta.
Connecting with my Roots
Born and brought up in New Jersey, I was privileged to be surrounded by an Italian family that embraced cooking as an essential aspect of our cultural heritage. My grandparents, staunch proponents of traditional Italian cooking methodologies, were the ones who introduced me to the art of making pesto. And this recipe for Watercress Pesto Pasta evolves that tradition – modern, yet nostalgic, infusing the earthy watercress with walnuts, garlic, and Parmesan in a binding harmony of olive oil and a hint of citrus.
Nutrient-dense and Delicious
Not to mention, this recipe also correlates with my love for nutritious and healthful food choices. Beyond its delightful taste, Watercress Pesto Pasta is packed with vitamins and minerals. According to the Medical News Today, watercress contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K in abundance and serves as a good source of Calcium and Manganese. Plus, walnuts, a good source of healthy fats and antioxidants, can contribute to heart health according to Healthline.
Elevating the Pasta Game
The Watercress Pesto Pasta is definitely a wholesome and palate-pleasing dish on its own. However, if you’re looking to pair it up with other dishes, it’s completely versatile. You might want to pair it with a slice of warm Italian bread (my *nonna’s* recipe, naturally!) or a cool, crisp salad on the side. Another idea could be a classic Italian dessert such as Panna Cotta or Gelato to balance the savory, herby pesto with a sweet endnote. It could be the star of your family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal. Above all, it’s a dish that brings back my familial traditions and memories and reinforces my enduring love for Italian-American cuisine.
With all its flavors, versatility, and healthful benefits, it’s no surprise that this Watercress Pesto Pasta recipe has made its way into my heart, and I can’t wait to share this love with others. After all, that’s what Luca, the Gourmet Guru, is all about – spreading love through food, one delicious dish at a time.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of watercress
- 1/2 cup of walnuts
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 pound of pasta noodles
- 2 cups of mixed fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, apples etc.)
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Method
Step One
Firstly, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step Two
While the pasta is cooking, you can start prepping for the pesto sauce. Begin by adding the watercress and walnuts into a food processor. Pulse until both ingredients are finely chopped.
Step Three
After that, add the garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and ground black pepper to the food processor. Pulse again until well combined.
Step Four
Slowly add the extra virgin olive oil into the food processor while it is running. Continue until the mixture becomes a smooth and emulsified pesto sauce.
Step Five
Combine the cooked pasta noodles and pesto sauce in a large bowl. Toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Step Six
In a separate bowl, mix together the fresh fruits and lemon juice. Gently toss until the fruits are well coated with the juice.
Step Seven
Finally, serve the pesto pasta with a side of fresh fruits. Enjoy your Watercress Pesto Pasta while it’s warm.
