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Anita Finn, Coldwell Banker Residential BrokeragePhone: (203) 667-1691
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Recipe: Pine Nut Pasta

by Anita Finn 11/15/2020

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Who doesn't love pasta? If you're a big fan of pasta but getting tired of the same old recipes, this unique and delicious vegetarian recipe is right for you. It's easy to make, requires few ingredients and makes little mess. It's also incredibly versatile, and can be made vegan for those who have special dietary requirements. Keep reading at the end of the recipe for suggestions about what to serve with pine nut pasta and other information.  

Ingredients

  • Pasta (rigatoni, penne, spiral are all fine - or any pasta you have on hand)
  • 1 Yellow onion 
  • Olive oil - 2 Tablespoons
  • Fresh spinach - 4 cups
  • Pine nuts - 2 cups
  • Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper
  • Instructions:

  • Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package and set aside.
  • Dice the onion. 
  • Tear stems off of spinach.
  • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. 
  • Put onion in the pan and sautee until edges begin to brown. 
  • Sprinkle onion with salt and pepper. 
  • Add pine nuts to the pan and heat until the outside begins to brown. 
  • Add spinach to the pan and stir it until the spinach begins to wilt. Remove from heat.
  • Top the pasta with the onion, pine nut and spinach combination. 
  • Sprinkle pasta with parmesan cheese, salt and cracked black pepper. 
  • Serve!
  • Pine nut pasta is an excellent dish to serve at special occasions because it looks fancy compared to many other types of pasta, but it's easy to prepare for large groups.

    What to Serve with Pine Nut Pasta

    If you eat meat and would like to add some extra protein to your pine nut pasta dish, serve with a side of baked chicken. 

    Pine nut pasta is delicious with garlic bread, or if you're feeling adventurous, sautee sliced mushrooms in garlic and olive oil. Place the sauteed mushroom mixture on slices of bread and bake in the oven.

    Seeking the perfect salad to accompany pine nut pasta? Combine chopped romaine lettuce, black beans (drained and rinsed), feta cheese and walnuts. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette. Serve.

    Are Pine Nuts a Nut?

    If you or someone in your household has a nut allergy, you may have concerns about pine nuts. Technically, pine nuts are a seed. However, you should check with your doctor before ingesting anything that you believe could be a potential allergen. Your doctor can help you decide whether this particular ingredient is safe.

    Want to Make This Recipe Vegan? Here's How

    Pine nut pasta is already vegetarian. If you want to make it vegan, replace the parmesan cheese with sprinkles of nutritional yeast at the end. You'll get the same nutty-cheesy flavor that you find with parmesan, but it's dairy free (and healthy!). 

    About the Author
    Author

    Anita Finn

    Anita is a Stamford native, & continues to live in Stamford has been a Realtor since 1993. Before her real estate career she achieved a position as a Director for an international marketing corporation. A consistent Top Producer, places Anita in the Top 4% of Realtors nationally and has achieved many awards throughout the years. In 2016,2015 & 2013 she was awarded #1 Top Producer in the Stamford office & in 2014 she was awarded #1 Top Listing agent in the Stamford office. Anita has also been awarded Agent of the Month, Top Block Service, Excellence in Customer Service. Anita is a certified relocation specialist with Cartus Relocation and works extensively with members & families of the military, through USAA and NFCU. Anita is also Smart Home Certified for bringing your home up to today’s current smart technology. Anita's marketing and technology background allow her to develop a successful strategy in preparing and marketing your home for sale. Anita has an extensive network of satisfied clients, who appreciate her honesty, integrity, and knowledge of the current real estate values, which result in helping them to achieve their real estate goals. Anita's clients continue to praise her for her ability to go beyond their expectations. http://www.anitafinn.com/