Easy Pesto Pasta (210)

Ingredients:

• 1 recipe homemade basil pesto
• 12 ounces spaghetti pasta**
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pesto according to this recipe, using ⅓ cup olive oil.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions, cooking until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain.
3. Transfer the pasta to a large skillet. Add the pesto and ½ cup*** of the starchy pasta water and toss to coat, adding more pasta water as needed to coat the pasta in a lightly creamy sauce. If desired, gently warm the pasta over low heat.
4. Season to taste and serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan and lots of basil.