Penne With Wilted Lettuce, Pine Nuts and Parmesan

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pine nuts (to taste)
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 pinch red chili pepper flakes (to taste)
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• 1 (12 ounce) bag prewashed chopped romaine lettuce (or wash and chop a head of romaine lettuce)
• grated parmesan cheese, to taste

Directions

1. 1

   In a small skillet over medium heat or on a baking sheet in a moderate oven, toast pine nuts until golden and aromatic. Stir frequently and watch closely! Set aside.

2. 2

   In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook penne pasta until al dente.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium high heat, heat olive oil until shimmering.

4. 4

   Add onion and saute until tender and just beginning to brown.

5. 5

   Add garlic and saute for a minute or until fragrant. Do not allow garlic to brown.

6. 6

   Add pepper flakes, salt and black pepper.

7. 7

   Add romaine lettuce and saute until tender and wilted.

8. 8

   Add pasta and pine nuts; toss well.

9. 9

   Remove from heat, dish and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.