Easy Pasta Al Pesto (Linguine with Pesto)

Ingredients

• 4 servings uncooked pasta (I've used linguine) ((around 12oz/340g))
• 3/4 cup cashews or pine nuts (see note below for substitution) ((90g))
• 2 packed cups fresh basil leaves, plus more to serve ((about 50g))
• 2-3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 8 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 1/2-2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of water (salted) to a boil. Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions (usually 7-10 minutes). Drain when al dente and return to pot to keep warm.

2. 2

   While pasta is cooking, add cashews to a food processor or blender and process until fine.

3. 3

   Add basil, crushed garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and process until combined but still slightly chunky. (If using a blender, the texture will be more of a smooth paste.) Adjust seasoning if needed.

4. 4

   Add pesto to warm pasta and toss to combine. Serve with additional basil leaves, or cherry tomatoes if desired.