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Classic Pesto Pasta

By the end of this meal, you'll be feeling like a bonafide Italian chef.

Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword allergy, basil, olive oil, Parmesan, pasta, pesto, pine nuts
Author Diana Edwards

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt
  • 10 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves (about 2 bunches)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan plus more
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup mild extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 1 pound pasta

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a blender, combine basil, olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts.
  3. Blend until smooth with a bit of texture. Now add in Parmesan and pulse until just combined.
  4. Strain pasta, while reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  5. In a bowl. combine cooked pasta, pesto, and hot pasta water. Stir until the pasta is well-coated and has absorbed the sauce.
  6. Serve and enjoy! :D