Creamy Pesto

One of my most asked about recipes!

Ingredients:

• 1 large bunch of basil (approximately 2 cups)

• 3 tbsp pine nuts

• Salt, to taste

• 3 tbsp reserved pasta water (or regular water)

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast (optional)

• 1-2 cloves garlic

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

• 2 ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Place the basil, pine nuts, salt, pasta water, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast (if using), garlic, olive oil (if using), and ice cubes into a blender.

2. Blend the ingredients until your desired consistency is reached. For a slightly chunkier pesto, blend for a shorter time.

3. Cook your choice of pasta according to the package directions, and reserve some pasta water before draining.

4. In a separate pan, heat the cooked pasta over medium heat and add the pesto sauce. Stir well to combine and ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto.

5. If you'd like a creamier pesto, add more pine nuts or substitute with other nuts such as cashews.

6. Serve the pesto pasta with a side of your choice. For a lower-carb option, serve the pesto with zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

7. Enjoy your delicious, protein-rich pesto pasta!