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Ingredients
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Pasta
Basil Pesto
Finishing Sauce
Optional Garnish
Method
Pasta
- 1
Boil the pasta
Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water, then add the cavatappi pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente according to package instructions.
- 2
Reserve pasta water and drain
Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Then drain the pasta and set aside.
Basil Pesto
- 3
Blend the pesto
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until roughly chopped.
- 4
Add olive oil
While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Scrape down the sides as needed. Set aside.
Finishing Sauce
- 5
Melt butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- 6
Optional Garnish
- 7
Serve and garnish
Transfer the pesto pasta to serving plates or a bowl. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves if desired.
