Grilled Sea Scallops With Pasta Rags And Homemade Pesto

Recipe Instructions Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Tear the pasta into 1-inch pieces. Drizzle a little olive oil into the water and add the pasta. Cook until tender, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from the water and drain. In a mixing bowl, toss the pasta with a tablespoon of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. In the cup of an electric blender, combine the basil, nuts, garlic and cheese. Blend thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in 1 cup of the oil. The mixture will be thick. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. Preheat the grill. Season the scallops with a tablespoon of the olive oil, salt and pepper. Place the scallops on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until the scallops are firm to the touch. In a saute pan, over medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of the oil. When the oil is hot, add the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Saute for 2 minutes. Add the asparagus and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to saute for 3 to 4 minutes or until the mushrooms are wilted. In a large mixing bowl, toss the pasta with the vegetables and pesto. Mix well. Add the cheese and mix well. Readjust the seasonings if needed. Mound the pasta in the center of each serving plate. Lay the scallops over the pasta. Garnish with parsley. This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings.