BOW TIE PASTA WITH CHERRY TOMATOES RECIPES

Steps:

• For the pesto, place all ingredients with ½ cup of the oil in a blender and blend.
• Gradually drizzle in the remaining ¼ cup of oil until pesto is thick and smooth.
• This will make about 1 1/2 cups pesto.
• For the pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
• Stir in the bow ties and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 10 minutes.
• Drain the pasta and run it under cold water just until it stops steaming.
• Bounce the pasta around to get rid of as much water as you can.
• Dump the pasta into a large serving bowl.
• Stir in the pesto until the pasta is coated.
• Toss in the cherry tomatoes and the crumbled feta.
• Taste the salad and season it as you like with salt and pepper.
• You can make the salad up to about 1 hour before you serve it.
• If the salad looks a little dry, add some olive oil prior to serving.

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add half the spinach and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper and cook until spinach begins to wilt, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the remaining spinach and cook until beginning to wilt, 1 to 2 minutes; transfer to a plate. Add the remaining 3 Tbsp oil and garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring, until garlic is golden brown. Add the tomatoes and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper and cook until the tomatoes begin to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, spinach, nuts and cheese to the pasta and toss to combine.