Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Caper Pesto Sauce
Recipe created by Cathy and Tony Mantuano

Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Caper Pesto Sauce
Photo: Con Poulos
Salt-packed capers make this whole wheat spaghetti dish a quick, flavorful weeknight staple.

This recipe is made from ingredients featured in The Great Pantry Makeover.

Ingredients:
Serves 4

  • 4 Tbsp. salted capers , rinsed, soaked in water for 10 minutes, then drained
  • 2 cloves chopped garlic
  • 6 anchovy fillets
  • 2 cups packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti
  • Freshly ground pepper
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti to pot; cook, stirring frequently the first 3 minutes and then occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 2 minutes less than recommended on the package. While pasta is cooking, take 1/4 cup pasta water and set aside in a bowl.

Meanwhile, make pesto: Combine capers, garlic, anchovies, and parsley in a blender or food processor. Process, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed until parsley is finely chopped. Add oil in a fine stream, blending until creamy. Transfer sauce to a medium bowl; stir in cheese.

Drain pasta and transfer to a large bowl. Stir reserved pasta water into pesto. Pour sauce over pasta and mix well to combine. Top with pepper and more cheese if desired. Serve immediately.