Ingredients
12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken for topping
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
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In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped.
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With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
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Toss cooked pasta with pesto, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
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Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken if desired.