Penne With Pesto and Fresh Parmesan

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb penne rigate
• 1/2 lb roma tomato, ripe and sweet
• 8 large fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons unsalted roasted almonds
• 1 large garlic clove, crushed and peeled
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. 1

   Cook pasta according to package instructions.

2. 2

   While pasta cooks, rinse tomatoes and basil and pat dry. Cut tomatoes into large chunks.

3. 3

   Place tomatoes in a blender/food processor, add basil, almonds, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Blend for 1 minute or until smooth.

4. 4

   While machine still running, add olive oil in a steady steam (it will emulsify the mixture into a thick pesto).

5. 5

   Scrape pesto into a large bowl. Drop drained pasta onto pesto and toss quickly to coat. Sprinkle on cheese and toss again.

6. 6

   Enjoy!