pasta-with-asparagus-pesto.json

{
    "directions": [
        "Heat a skillet over medium-high heat; add pine nuts. Cook and stir pine nuts until fragrant and toasted, about 5 minutes.",
        "Pour enough water into a skillet to reach a 1-inch depth; bring to a boil. Add asparagus and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove asparagus from skillet, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water. Set aside 1/2 cup asparagus tips.",
        "Blend remaining asparagus, pine nuts, reserved 1/2 cup cooking water, 1/2 cup basil, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper in a blender until smooth, keeping the center piece of lid removed to release steam. Add Pecorino-Romano cheese; blend until smooth.",
        "Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orecchiette pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain and return pasta to pot.",
        "Slice the remaining 1/4 cup basil. Add sliced basil, asparagus sauce, reserved asparagus tips to pasta; toss to evenly mix. Garnish with extra Pecorino-Romano cheese."
    ],
    "ingredients": [
        "2 tablespoons pine nuts",
        "1 cup water, or as needed",
        "1 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces",
        "3/4 cup packed fresh basil, divided",
        "1/4 cup olive oil",
        "1 clove garlic, crushed",
        "1 teaspoon salt",
        "1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper",
        "1/3 cup grated Pecorino-Romano cheese, plus more for garnish",
        "1 (16 ounce) package orecchiette pasta"
    ],
    "language": "en-US",
    "source": "allrecipes.com",
    "tags": [],
    "title": "Pasta with Asparagus Pesto",
    "url": "http://allrecipes.com/recipe/237218/pasta-with-asparagus-pesto/"
}