Name: Pesto-Pasta with Green Beans
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Yield: 10 servings, 1 cup each
Ingredients: 3 cups multi-grain penne pasta, uncooked; 1/2 lb. fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch lengths; 1 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves; 2 Tbsp. chopped toasted PLANTERS Pecans; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 cup KRAFT Tuscan House Italian Dressing; 1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Mozzarella Cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1/3 cup KRAFT Shredded Parmesan Cheese; 1 cup grape tomato es, halved

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3 Hr(s) 25 Min(s)

25 Min(s) Prep

3 Hr(s) Cook

Homemade pesto brings your cold pasta and green salad game to the next level. Get out the basil, pecans and garlic and try it yourself.

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10 servings

Original recipe yields 10 servings

3 cups multi-grain penne pasta, uncooked

1/2 lb. fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch lengths

1 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves

2 Tbsp. chopped toasted PLANTERS Pecans

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup KRAFT Tuscan House Italian Dressing

1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Mozzarella Cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/3 cup KRAFT Shredded Parmesan Cheese

1 cup grape tomato es, halved

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Let's Make It

Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding beans to the boiling water for the last 3 min.

Meanwhile, pulse basil, nuts and garlic in food processor until coarsely chopped. Add dressing; process until mixture forms thick paste.

Drain pasta mixture, reserving 1/3 cup of the cooking water. Place pasta mixture in large bowl. Add basil mixture and reserved cooking water; mix lightly. Refrigerate several hours or until chilled.

Add remaining ingredients just before serving; mix lightly.

Kitchen Tips

Tip 1

How to Cook Fresh Green Beans

To prepare green beans, trim and discard the stems and ends from the beans. Wash just before cooking. Use a large enough pot or microwavable dish to avoid overcrowding the beans. Cook the beans just until crisp-tender. Overcooking robs them of their bright green color and fresh flavor.

Tip 2

Preparing Perfect Pasta

Follow the package directions to ensure that enough water is used for cooking the pasta. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente (tender but still a little firm to the bite), stirring frequently. To prevent pasta from sticking, add it slowly to plenty of boiling water and stir frequently while cooking. Adding oil to the cooking water is not recommended because some sauces may not cling to pasta coated with oil.

Tip 3

Note

This pasta dish is equally delicious whether served at room temperature or chilled.

Nutrition

Calories

260

Calories From Fat

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 12g

15%

Saturated Fat 4g

20%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 20mg

Sodium 340mg

15%

Total Carbohydrates 25g

Dietary Fibers 3g

11%

Sugars 2g

Protein 14g

28%

Vitamin A

15%

Vitamin C

Calcium

25%

Iron

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

servings

10 servings, 1 cup each

* Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin and freshness of ingredients used.