16 Must-Know Pasta Classics for Every Day

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Pasta with Green Pesto

This classic pesto tastes even better when freshly made. If desired, you can use other green herbs instead of basil, such as wild garlic, arugula, or sage.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 4 cups fresh basil leaves
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsp pine nuts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lb pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. First, prepare the basil pesto. Wash the basil and pat dry, then remove the leaves from the stems. Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves.
2. Place the basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts in a blender and process into a creamy mixture.
3. Transfer the creamy mixture to a bowl and mix in the grated Parmesan.
4. Gradually add the olive oil in a thin stream while constantly stirring the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and mix it with the pesto. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan.