Italian, Main Course Vegetarian, Linguine (Dried)

Pesto Pasta

Serves 4

Ingredients

Method

12 oz Pasta (such As Spaghetti, Linguine, Or Fettuccine)
1 cu Fresh Basil Pesto (homemade Or Store-bought)
¼ cu Reserved Pasta Water
½ cu Grated Parmesan Cheese
¼ tsp Salt And Black Pepper, To Taste
2 cu Fresh Basil Leaves, Packed
½ cu Grated Parmesan Cheese
½ cu Extra-virgin Olive Oil
¼ cu Pine Nuts
2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
¼ tsp Salt And Black Pepper, To Taste

If making homemade pesto, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Process until smooth, adding more olive oil if needed to reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Drain the pasta and return it to the pot or transfer to a large serving bowl.

Add the basil pesto to the pasta, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta to coat evenly with the pesto, adding more water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Season the Pesto Pasta with salt and black pepper, to taste.

Serve the pasta in individual bowls, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.