Pesto Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta
• 2 cup fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• 2 clove garlic
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)

Steps

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, combine basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth pesto forms. Add lemon juice if desired.
4. Drain pasta and return to the pot. Add the pesto and a splash of reserved pasta water, tossing to coat evenly.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with optional cherry tomatoes and extra Parmesan.