Trenette al Pesto

Ingredients

• Black pepper - To taste
• Salt - To taste
• Extra virgin olive oil - 1/2 cup
• Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup, grated
• Pine nuts - 1/4 cup
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Fresh basil leaves - 2 cups
• Trenette pasta - 12 ounces

Instructions

1. Cook the trenette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth pesto sauce forms.
4. In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked trenette pasta and toss to coat.
5. Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta and toss until well coated.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the pasta is heated through.
7. Serve hot and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.