Pesto Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

All from Trader Joe's

2 bags of dry tortellini

1 bag Raw Pignolias (pine nuts)

1 container Shaved Parmesan Cheese

1 bag frozen small English peas

Pesto Sauce (See Pesto Genovese)

Cook the tortellini according to the directions on bag - set aside. RESERVE SOME STARCHY PASTA WATER YOU MAY NEED IT TO THIN THE PESTO.

Cook the peas according to the directions on bag, set aside.

Roast the pine nuts in a pan - keep an eye on them as they burn quickly.

Let the pine nuts cool and then combine all ingredients, saving some cheese and pine nuts for garnish. If the mixture is too thick, add the reserved pasta water to thin.

This is great for a crowd or a potluck dinner. It always gets rave reviews. If you're short on time you can use a store-bought pesto, but there is certainly nothing like homemade.