Pesto Pasta

Ingredients

garlic

4 cloves

pine nuts

2/3 cup

olive oil extra-virgin

1 cup

Parmesan cheese grated

1 cup

lemon juice fresh

2 tbsp

salt

1 tsp

black pepper

1/2 tsp

basil fresh leaves, packed

8 cups

pasta

16 oz

butter unsalted, optional

2 tbsp

pasta water hot, reserved

1 cup

Method

1. 01In a food processor, pulse garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil until garlic is broken down.
2. 02Add Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and basil. Pulse to a textured sauce, not completely smooth.
3. 03Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta to al dente per package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
4. 04In a bowl, combine cooked pasta with optional butter and mix to melt.
5. 05Add pesto and 1/2 cup hot pasta water. Toss to combine. Add more pasta water if needed.
6. 06Serve with lemon wedges, toasted nuts, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil.