Re-creating La Madeleine’s Mediterranean Pasta

I was head over heels with the Mediterranean pasta @ La Madeleine …it’s a perfect combination of bow-tie pasta, my all-time favorite - artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and Roma tomatoes tossed in pesto sauce..can't get better than that! I enjoyed the colorful bowl of goodness so much..the feeling of satisfaction after a good meal and subtle hint of basil lingering in my mouth is still very vivid.. I don't know what it was- the ambiance, my hunger or the person I was with - that dish has a very special place in my heart and I wanted to re-create the same pasta at the comfort of my own kitchen and rejoice the memories once again :) 

I tweaked the original recipe little bit.. Instead of regular bow-tie pasta & Parmesan cheese, I used whole-wheat linguine and reduced-fat feta cheese. For the pesto, I used my star spinach-basil pesto recipe. I eyeballed all the ingredients for two decent portions..so feel free to adjust ingredients based upon your preferences and ingredients available on hand..

Its not only super delicious but really easy to make and the best part- it makes your guest feel very special and that you have some serious cooking skills- WINNER! 

I paired the pasta with fresh french bread & butter...sipped some red wine....add some cool breeze and good conversation (both are much needed here)..there is no other word to describe an evening but P.E.R.F.E.CT. 

I am sending this recipe over to a fellow blogger @ Hyderabadi Cuisine. For more romantic candle light dinner ideas, please click here.