Penne with Swordfish, Mint, and Pine Nuts

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Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup pine nuts
2. 1/4 cup plus 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1 pound swordfish steak, about 1 inch thick
4. 3/4 teaspoon salt
5. 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
6. 3 cloves garlic, minced
7. 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
8. 3/4 pound penne

1. In a small frying pan, toast the pine nuts over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Or toast them in a 350° oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. In a large nonstick frying pan, heat the 1/2 tablespoon oil over moderate heat. Sprinkle the swordfish with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Add the fish to the pan and cook 4 minutes. Turn and cook until the fish is just done, 2 to 3 minutes longer. Remove. When the fish is cool enough to handle, cut it into 1-inch cubes.
3. Wipe out the pan. Add the remaining 1/4 cup oil to the pan and heat over moderately low heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in 1/4 cup of the mint and remove the pan from the heat.
4. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the penne until just done, about 13 minutes. Drain and toss with the swordfish, the garlic-and-mint oil, the pine nuts, the remaining 1/4 cup mint, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.