Ingredients
1 c. walnuts
c. lightly packed flat-leaf parsley with thick stems removed
2 clove garlic
3 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 c. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper
1 lb. fresh or frozen cheese tortellini (see Tips below)
1 tbsp. butter
Preparation
Step 1In a food processor or blender, pulse the walnuts, parsley, garlic, Parmesan, oil, salt, and pepper to a coarse puree.Step 2In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the tortellini until just done, about 4 minutes for fresh and 12 minutes for frozen. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the tortellini. Toss with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, the walnut pesto, and the butter. If the pasta seems dry, add more of the reserved pasta water. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and pass more at the table.Step 3Wine Recommendation: Look for a crisp, acidic white wine to cut through the richness of the walnuts. A sauvignon blanc from either California or New Zealand would be suitable.
