Healthy Pasta with Pesto

 

12 oz linguine or fettucine

2 cups tightly packed fresh basil leaves ( I also use arugula instead of basil)

1-2 cloves garlic

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

¼ to ½ cup pasta cooking liquid

Prepare pasta according to directions. Meanwhile, in food processor or blender, combine basil, garlic and parmesan. With blender running, add lemon juice and olive oil until well blended. Toss pasta with pesto, adding ¼ to ½ cup pasta cooking liquid until sauce reaches desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Makes 4 servings