Perfect Pesto

This week I decided to challenge myself to eat vegetarian. So far, it hasn't been much of a challenge at all because I haven't really craved any foods that require meat or chicken. Sushi, on the other hand, is something I have been day dreaming about... but i'll have to wait until next week.

I made a pesto linguine last night and it was absolutely delicious and so simple! I just got a mini food processor, so I've been taking advantage of every opportunity to use it. This was the perfect recipe see what that little machine is capable of!

Ingredients

• 4  cups  fresh basil leaves
• 2  tablespoons  pine nuts
• 2  tablespoons  extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 2  garlic cloves, peeled
• 1/2  cup  (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 2  tablespoons  grated fresh Romano cheese
• 2  teaspoons  butter, softened
• 2  cups  uncooked penne (about 8 ounces)

Method

• Combine the first 5 ingredients in a food processor; process until finely minced. Place in a large bowl. Stir in cheeses and butter until blended.
• Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 3 tablespoons cooking liquid. Add pasta and reserved cooking liquid to pesto, tossing to coat.