Homemade Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

3 Cups Cavatappi Pasta

¼ Cup Parmesan

⅓ Cup Heavy Cream

3 Tablespoons Butter

½ Cup of your Homemade Pesto

Homemade Pesto:

2-3 Cups Fresh Basil Leaves

1/3 Cups Pine Nuts

3-4 Garlic Cloves

1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Fresh Cracked Pepper

1/2 Cup Olive Oil

Instructions:

Place Basil Leaves, Pine Nuts, and Garlic Cloves in a blender or food processor and pulse until a paste forms. Scape down the sides. While the processor is running slowly, pour Olive Oil in with your Basil until nice and smooth. Add the Parmesan Cheese, Salt, and Pepper to taste and puree until combined.

Warm Heavy Whipping Cream in a saucepan. Add Butter and heat until combined. Add your Pesto and heat through.

Boil your Cavatappi until al dente-saving some pasta water to toss with your pasta. Combine pasta with your creamy pesto sauce, adding your desired amount. Toss in 1/4 cup pasta water, adding a tablespoon more at a time if need be, until you reach your desired consistency.

Drizzle with Olive Oil and top with Parmesan.

Enjoy :).

Additional garnishes that work beautifully: Chopped Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Parmesan, Toasted Pine Nuts, and Fresh Basil