Pasta with Jalapeno Pesto

Lots of roasting going on here. First the pumpkin seeds and then the jalapeno and green peppers. Then everything is plopped into the food processor - peppers, seeds, cilantro, garlic, lime juice and olive oil. Next, this incredible pesto is swirled into h

• Calories: 620 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup olive oil
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound linguini pasta
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 5 tablespoons shelled pumpkin seeds
• 2 green bell peppers
• 3 jalapeno peppers
• 1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
• ½ lime, cut into wedges

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Toast the pumpkin seeds in a preheated 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven for 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 2

Raise the oven's temperature to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

Step 3

Place the bell and jalapeno peppers on a baking sheet. Roast the peppers for 15 to 20 minutes; until the skin blisters. Let the peppers cool a bit then pull the skin away from the flesh; discard the skin.

Step 4

In a food processor or blender combine 4 tablespoons of the pumpkin seeds, cilantro, garlic and the peppers. Blend until the contents are coarsely chopped. With the machine running, slowly add the oil and the lime juice. Blend in the salt and pepper

Step 5

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally until it is just tender. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.

Step 6

Set the pot over medium heat, add the tomatoes and the pesto. Stir well. Add more salt and pepper, if you'd like. Spoon the pasta onto plates. Serve the pasta garnished with the remaining pumpkin seeds and lime wedges.