sun-dried tomato-and-pesto linguine.

For the Sun-Dried Tomato Linguine:

1/2 lb. linguine
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 pkg. faux-chicken strips (try Morningstar Farms brand)
2 Tbsp. chopped garlic
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, quartered
Salt and pepper, to taste

1.) Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Drain.

2.) In a medium pan over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp. of the oil and saute the "chicken" strips until lightly browned. Remove from the pan and chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

3.) Heat the remaining oil in the pan and saute the garlic for 1 minute. Add the "chicken" and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. Season with the salt and pepper.

4.) Toss with the pasta until thoroughly coated.

For the Pesto :

3 garlic gloves, peeled
1/3 cup pine nuts
3 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves
1/2-3/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup soy Parmesan cheese

1.) Place the garlic and pine nuts in a food processor and process until minced. Add the basil, salt, and pepper and process until ground into a paste.

2.) With the machine running, pour the oil into the feed tube in a slow, steady stream until well blended. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the soy cheese.*

To Assemble:

1.) Toss the pasta with the pesto, to taste, until thoroughly coated. 

*Note: This can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Makes 2-3 servings