Macadamia Nut Pesto Pasta
Pesto sauce is a traditional basil-based sauce made with garlic, parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil -- and we're big fans of the intense flavor it gives.
However . . .if you know us by now, you also know we're big fans of adding our own tropical twist to already delicious staples!
Today on the Tastes of Aloha blog, we're sharing our Macadamia Nut Pesto Sauce.
In this recipe, we're ditching the pine nuts for buttery Hawaiian macadamia nuts and replacing the classic olive oil with premium expeller-pressed macadamia nut oil from Maiden Hawaii.
This sauce will be the finishing touch to our macadamia-topped pasta dish and makes the perfect Christmas Eve dinner.
Keep reading for the full recipe!
Macadamia Nut Pesto Sauce
Ingredients
- 5 cups sweet basil leaves, well packed
- 1/2 cup Island Harvest Organic Macadamia Nuts
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Macadamia Nut Oil from Maiden Hawaii
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Place all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and process till well chopped. Slowly add the macadamia nut oil into processor while the processor is on. Season with the salt and pepper. Makes 3-1/2 cups.
Macadamia Nut Pasta
Ingredients
-
1 package of pasta (we like rotini, penne, or fusilli)
-
Macadamia nuts, chopped for garnish - optional
-
Parmesan cheese, for garnish - optional
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Basil leaves for garnish - optional
Method
Cook Pasta of your choice according to package directions. Strain. Add pasta to large bowl and mix in the pesto sauce (as much as you desire) We like ALOT of sauce! Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garnish with basil leave and chopped macadamia nuts if you desire.
