Autumn Pasta with Sicilian Pesto

My wife and I were exhausted after a long day of walking and sight-seeing in Venice.  We stopped for dinner and ordered a plate of pasta with Sicilian Pesto.  We were thrilled with the flavors! We asked the waiter about the herb combination and he explained that the addition of marjoram and substitution of almonds for pine nuts made it Sicilian-style.   After a little experimentation at home, we landed on this version.

Here’s a perfect pasta for a fall evening.  It’s loaded with newly harvested zucchini, summer squash, peppers and mushrooms.  The Sicilian Pesto turns it into a special pasta experience.  

Finish the week with a smile.

Grocery List: Autumn Pasta with Sicilian Pesto and Tomato
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Autumn Penne Pasta with Sicilian Pesto

Produce

garlic (if needed)

1 red onion

6 cremini mushrooms

1 small zucchini

1 small summer squash

1 red bell pepper

1 bunch fresh basil – 4 oz. – 

1 small package fresh marjoram – 1 oz. –

1 head leaf lettuce(if needed)

cucumber(if needed)

cherry tomatoes(if needed)

4 Roma tomatoes

2 oz. slivered almonds

Canned/Dried Foods

10 oz. dry whole-wheat penne pasta

low sodium vegetable broth(if needed)

good olive oil(if needed)

white wine to cook with(if needed)

Frozen Foods

Plant-based Chik’n Strips of choice (if eating plant-based)

Meat/Fish/ Poultry

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (if eating meat)

Chilled Foods/Dairy

shredded Parmesan cheese(if needed

Nutritional Value Penne Pasta with Basil Pesto

Nutritional Analysis

Penne Pasta with Pesto (Chicken)

Nutritional Analysis

Per Serving

Calories: 580

Protein: 29 g

Carbohydrates: 41 g

Total Fat: 34 g

(Saturated Fat: 5 g

Dietary Fiber: 8 g

Cholesterol: 60 mg

Sodium: 240 mg

% calories from fat: 53.6 %

Serving size:

1-1/2 C pasta with pesto, chicken and chopped tomato + 1.5 T. Parmesan. Plus one dressed side salad.

Penne Pasta with Pesto (Meatless)

Nutritional Analysis

Per Serving

Calories: 580

Protein: 34 g

Carbohydrates: 44 g

Total Fat: 34 g

(Saturated Fat: 5 g

Dietary Fiber: 8 g

Cholesterol: 5 mg

Sodium: 410 mg

% calories from fat: 55.4 %

Serving size:

1-1/2 C pasta with pesto, beyond chicken and chopped tomato + 1.5 T. Parmesan. Plus one dressed side salad.