Step 1

Add a tablespoon of salt to a large pot of water and bring it to a boil.

Step 2

Add 10 ounces (280 grams) pasta to the boiling water.

Step 3

Cook al dente (for about 10 to 12 minutes depending on the type of pasta).

Step 4

Reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta.

Step 5

Bring the pasta back to the pot and keep it covered for 5 minutes.

Step 6

You can either make your own pesto or use store-bought one.

Step 7

There are a few options if you decide to make your own pesto:

Step 8

Click to get the recipes:

Step 9

Almond spinach pesto

Step 10

Roasted garlic pesto with mint and cashews

Step 11

Red chili pesto

Step 12

Thai basil pesto

Step 13

Slice 6 ounces (170 grams) cremini mushrooms and mince 5 cloves garlic.

Step 14

Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté. Stir on medium heat until they start to brown.

Step 15

Add minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon black pepper and ½ teaspoon sea salt.

Step 16

Add the reserved pasta water. Simmer until most of the moisture evaporates.

Step 17

Finish with 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice and remove from heat.

Step 18

Add ½ cup pesto to boiled pasta and toss.

Step 19

Add garlic mushrooms, ¼ cup sundried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons Parmigiano Reggiano (grated) and 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley to the pesto pasta.

Step 20

Combine everything together and serve.