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Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225g) of pasta (such as linguine or spaghetti)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (you can also use walnuts or almonds)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make lemon basil pesto pasta:
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the lemon basil pesto: In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pulse the ingredients until they are coarsely chopped.
Add the olive oil: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the ingredients come together into a smooth paste. If needed, you can add more olive oil to achieve your desired consistency.
Season and adjust: Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. You can also adjust the lemon juice or zest if desired, for more tangy flavor.
Toss with pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the lemon basil pesto. Toss the pasta until it is well coated with the pesto sauce.
Serve: Transfer the lemon basil pesto pasta to serving plates or bowls. If desired, you can garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, or a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve it immediately while it's still warm.
Option: Grill chicken, seasoned with lemon and place on top. Or cut up precooked summer sausage and sprinkle on top.
Enjoy your delicious lemon basil pesto pasta!
