Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti or your choice)

Instructions

1. 1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil — 5 minutes
2. 2Add 12 ounces pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions — 8-10 minutes
3. 3While pasta cooks, combine 2 cups fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup pine nuts, and 3 cloves minced garlic in a food processor — 2 minutes
4. 4Blend ingredients while slowly adding 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil until smooth — 2 minutes
5. 5Season pesto with salt and pepper to taste — 1 minute
6. 6Once pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta — 2 minutes
7. 7Toss cooked pasta with pesto and a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency — 2 minutes
8. 8Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese if desired — 1 minute