Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta Delightful and Easy Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1 4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1 2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 whole lemon, zest and juice
• to taste salt and pepper
• 12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
• as needed cherry tomatoes, halved for garnish
• as needed additional basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. While the food processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. Add the lemon zest and juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. In the same pot, add the cooked pasta along with the lemon basil pesto. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired creaminess.
5. Plate the pesto pasta and top with halved cherry tomatoes and additional basil leaves for garnish.