Spaghetti al Pesto

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

2. 2

   While the spaghetti is cooking, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic cloves in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.

3. 3

   Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture and pulse again until blended.

4. 4

   Slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil while the food processor is running to emulsify the ingredients into a smooth pesto sauce.

5. 5

   Season the pesto with salt to taste and pulse a few more times to incorporate.

6. 6

   Drain the spaghetti, reserving a little of the cooking water.

7. 7

   Return the spaghetti to the pot and add the pesto sauce. Toss well to coat the spaghetti, adding a few tablespoons of the reserved cooking water if needed to loosen the sauce.

8. 8

   Serve the Spaghetti al Pesto immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.