PASTA WITH PESTO

Pasta With Pesto image

Provided by Mark Bittman

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup walnuts or pine nuts
Big bunch basil, about 10 stems
2 cloves garlic, peeled, or to taste
Olive oil as needed
Salt and pepper
Grated Parmesan to taste
1 pound pasta, any shape

Steps:

Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking frequently, until fragrant, browned and not burned. Pulse them in a food processor until chopped but not at all powdery.
Wash the basil; dry it in a salad spinner. Put it in the food processor with the garlic and as much oil as you need to allow the machine to do its work. Process, adding salt, pepper and oil as needed. When the pesto is smooth and delicious, stir in or pulse in the cheese.
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until it's tender but not mushy. Dress with the pesto, thinning with a little of the cooking water if necessary. Serve immediately.