Tomato, Pine Nut and Arugula Pesto Pasta

Here's another recipe I made for my demo at Blooming Glen Farm last week.  I've made this dish for a number of clients and it's always a big hit.  It's really easy and, when you use fresh ingredients, so tasty!

(By the way, congratulations to Tom, Tricia and all the folks at Blooming Glen Farm for becoming certified organic!  It's a lot of work to get that designation.  Way to go!)

Back to the food.  This pesto is great with pasta, although you could even use it as a sauce for grilled meat.  It stands on its own really well, but feel free to add some grilled chicken or, as I did in the photo below, some Italian sausage.

Enjoy!

TOMATO, PINE NUT AND ARUGULA PESTO PASTA (from America's Test Kitchen Quick Family Cookbook)
Serves 4

INGREDIENTS
12 oz cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup arugula
1 oz Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 small pepperoncini, stemmed, seeded and minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/4 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper
Pinch red pepper flakes
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound pasta

• Cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
• Process tomatoes, arugula, Parm, pine nuts, pepperoncini, garlic, 1 tsp salt and pepper flakes in a food processor until smooth, 30-60 seconds.  Scrape bowl as needed.
• With processor running, slowly add oil until incorporated.  Transfer to a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Toss in the pasta and serve.