Pasta Pesto recipe

‍Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340g) pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or fusilli)
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: additional grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Pesto:
   • In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts or walnuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse several times until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.
3. Add Olive Oil:
   • With the food processor or blender running, gradually pour in the olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl or blender as needed.
4. Season and Adjust:
   • Taste the pesto and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. If the pesto is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of the reserved pasta cooking water.
5. Combine with Pasta:
   • In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the freshly made pesto until well coated. Add a splash of pasta cooking water as needed to help the pesto evenly coat the pasta and create a creamy sauce.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the pasta pesto hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy immediately as a delicious and flavorful meal!

This pasta pesto recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize it by adding cooked vegetables, grilled chicken, or shrimp for extra protein and texture. Enjoy your homemade pasta pesto!