Basil Pesto Pasta I Penne Rigate Pasta in Basil Pesto Sauce I Basil Pesto Recipe by Gastro Guru

You will love my Penne Rigate Pasta recipe with home made Basil Pesto! Ingredients & Recipe below:

Ingredients:
1 LB Penne Rigate pasta
5 Cups of water to boil pasta
1 Tbsp salt for pasta water
4 Tbsp fresh basil pesto - see recipe below
2 Tbsp butter
1/4 Cup pasta water
1/2 Cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 Tsp salt for pesto sauce
Crushed black pepper to taste

Basil Pesto Recipe
In a food processor grind the following to a coarse paste:
2 Cups packed Italian basil leaves
1/2 Cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 Cup pan toasted pine nuts
1/4 Cup good quality olive oil
3 Pods of garlic
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Cooking Instructions:
Bring to boil water in a large pot
Add salt to boiling water then add Penne Rigate pasta
Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until al dente
While pasta is boiling add olive oil to a hot pan
Reduce heat to medium low then add fresh basil pesto
Mix well then add butter
Next add 1/4 cup of salty pasta water to the pan
Add al dente penne regate pasta to pan. Mix well
Season with salt & crushed black pepper to taste
Finally, add grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and transfer to serving bowl
Garnish with more grated Parmesan cheese
Buon Appetito!