Penne Pesto

Total Time: 25 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 4 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese (2 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons grated fresh romano cheese
• 2 teaspoons butter, softened
• 2 cups uncooked penne (about 8 ounces)

Recipe

• 1 we reduced the amount of oil, pine nuts, cheese, and butter usually found in a classic pesto, cutting 28 grams of fat per serving without losing any flavor.
• 2 avoid packing the basil leaves when you measure them so you won't use too much.
• 3 1.
• 4 combine the first 5 ingredients in a food processor; process until finely minced.
• 5 place in a large bowl.
• 6 stir in cheeses and butter until blended.
• 7 2.
• 8 cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
• 9 drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 3 tablespoons cooking liquid.
• 10 add pasta and reserved cooking liquid to pesto, tossing to coat.