Pesto Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Cherry tomatoes (optional)

Method

1. 1

   Blitz the basil, pine nuts, garlic and Parmesan in a food processor.

2. 2

   Drizzle in the olive oil with the motor running until a loose paste forms; season with salt and pepper.

3. 3

   Cook the penne until al dente and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.

4. 4

   Toss the hot pasta with the pesto, loosening with pasta water.

5. 5

   Fold through halved cherry tomatoes and serve immediately.