Pasta with pesto sauce

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 1/2 cup (120g) freshly made pesto sauce (see below for recipe)
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Pesto Sauce Recipe

• 2 cups (40g) fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup (80g) pine nuts (or walnuts or almonds)
• 1/2 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Marina’s Artisan Foods organic extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Process until the mixture is well combined and slightly smooth.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top. Process until the pesto sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the reserved pasta water to the pesto sauce and process until well combined.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the pesto sauce.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.