Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes & Pesto

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

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
• 3 cups fresh basil leaves
• salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, and pecorino cheeses mixed
• 1 lb cooked short pasta such as penne
• 1 cup small cherry tomatoes, halved
• additional grated cheese, for passing (optional)

Recipe

• 1 put a pot with 4 quarts of water and 2 teaspoons salt on to boil.
• 2 meanwhile, with the motor of a food processor running, drop garlic and pine nuts down the feed tube.
• 3 when pureed, push down the sides and add basil, salt and oil, puree.
• 4 add cheese and pulse just until mixed (this may also be done in a blender or with a mortar and pestle).
• 5 put pesto in a small bowl.
• 6 you should have about 3/4 cup pesto.
• 7 cook pasta according to package directions until firm but tender, about 10 minutes.
• 8 drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
• 9 put pasta in a large mixing bowl.
• 10 add between half and two-thirds of the pesto and toss, adding just enough of the cooking water to make an even sauce.
• 11 add tomatoes, toss again and serve.
• 12 pass around additional grated cheese if desired.