Gemelli with Pancetta, Tomatoes, and Almond Basil Pesto

Name: Gemelli with Pancetta, Tomatoes, and Almond Basil Pesto
Ingredients: 12 oz unsweetened almond butter; 12 oz unsweetened almond butter; 1/3 cup lemon juice; 1 tbsp kosher salt; 1 ½ tsp black pepper; 9 oz fresh basil; 3 cups extra-virgin olive oil; 8 lb 5 ¼ oz dry gemelli; 1 lb 9 oz pancetta, skin removed, ¼-in dice; 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 8 ¼ oz minced garlic; 1 ¾ cups red pepper flakes; 3 lb 2 oz oven-roasted tomatoes, chopped; Sliced almonds, toasted, as needed

This recipe was created by the University of Massachusetts Amherst Dining team on behalf of the Almond Board of California for a special Almond Day menu. Almond Basil Pesto is a great variation with a milder flavor. It can be used in any recipe that calls for pesto.

Difficulty

Medium

Ingredients

Serves: 100

For the Almond Basil Pesto

12 oz unsweetened almond butter
12 oz unsweetened almond butter
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 ½ tsp black pepper
9 oz fresh basil
3 cups extra-virgin olive oil

For the Gemelli

8 lb 5 ¼ oz dry gemelli
1 lb 9 oz pancetta, skin removed, ¼-in dice
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
8 ¼ oz minced garlic
1 ¾ cups red pepper flakes
3 lb 2 oz oven-roasted tomatoes, chopped
Sliced almonds, toasted, as needed

Preparation

For the Almond Basil Pesto

In a food processor, combine the almond butter, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and basil. Chop coarsely.
With the motor running, add the olive oil slowly until fully incorporated.
Adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate.

For the Gemelli

Cook the pasta per the manufacturer’s instructions, until al dente. Drain and shock with ice water. Reserve.
Spread the pancetta in a hotel pan and cook in a 350°F oven, stirring every 3 to 4 minutes, until rendered and crispy. Drain and discard the fat.
In batches, heat the oil over medium heat and add the garlic and pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the pancetta and roasted tomatoes and sauté for another 30 seconds.
Reheat the gemelli in boiling water. Drain and toss it with the tomato mixture and the Almond Basil Pesto. Hold warm.
For each serving, portion 4 oz sauced pasta and garnish with sliced almonds for ID.

Did you know?

In addition to almonds being a delicious ingredient in our recipes they’re also heart healthy, gut healthy, and full of vitamins and nutrients - explore Health & Nutrition to learn more. Not only that, almond farmers are dedicated to sustainability - find out how they’re Growing Good.