Skunkworks Pasta Toss

I first made this for my colleagues at Skunkworks Creative Group Inc., thus the name. It works best with a hefty pasta like rotini, fusilli, penne or cavatappi.

You will need:

2 c. pasta of your choice
1 bag of baby spinach or arugula (washed and spun if not pre-washed…unless you like grit in your pasta)
3 Tbsp basil or sundried tomato pesto
1/2 c. kalamata olives (pitted is best but unpitted will do)
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes halved or 2 ripe tomatoes chopped
1 Tbsp capers
1/2 c. grated carrot (optional)
1 red pepper diced (optional)
1/2 c. shredded parmasan (not the powdered stuff) or feta if you prefer (both work well)
1/4 c. toasted pine nuts

1. Put spinach or arugula, olives, capers, carrot, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and toss with pesto.
3. While still hot toss the pasta with the spinach mixture until the spinach/argula leaves start to wilt.
4. Toss in the parmasan and pine nuts and toss to mix.
5. Serve with crusty rolls or a nice foccacia bread.

Serves 4-6