Homemade Pesto Pasta

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
• Fresh lemon juice from 1/2 small lemon
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup packed baby arugula
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, fresh basil, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
4. Reserve a splash of pasta water before draining the noodles.
5. Toss the hot spaghetti with the pesto, cherry tomatoes, and arugula.
6. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
7. Serve with additional parmesan cheese on top.