Pasta with Pesto Sauce

I used to think that pasta's come only in red and white color sauces until I learnt this green pesto sauce. I love the flavor of garlic in Italian dishes and this pesto sauce gives a very nice flavor to the pasta. In authentic Italian cuisine, pesto sauce is made using basil but creativity is your choice. Try using cilantro, parsely, mint instead of basil and you'll be surprised by the different yummy flavors you can make.

Preparation Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 10 min
Serves: 3-4

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Ingredients: For Pesto sauce 1 lb basil leaves 3 garlic cloves 1/4 cup pine nuts, roasted (optional but preffered) 8 tblsp olive oil 1 tsp salt or to taste 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated 1/4 cup Pecorino cheese, grated 1 lb Spaghetti, cooked according to instructions on pack

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Method:

1. Grind all ingredients under Pesto Sauce, except cheeses, in a food processor to a consistency you like. Some like it grainy in which case pulse it slowly. Some like it in a smooth paste.
2. Mix in the cheese and Pesto Sauce is ready.
3. Mix cooked spaghetti with sauce, top with a little cheese and serve.

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Tips If you don't want to make Pesto Sauce at home, you can find a ready-made jar at your local grocery store. If you don't have Pecorino cheese, increase the amount of Parmesan to 3/4 cup. Pesto Sauce is ideally prepared in a mortar and pestle. Try using cilantro, parsley, mint in Pesto Sauce instead of basil. You can use any pasts you like - penne, elbows etc. You can also add steamed vegetables like broccoli, peas, carrots, corn etc to pasta to make it healthier.

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