Red Pesto Pasta

Step 1

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water prior to draining.

Step 2

While pasta cooks, combine roasted red pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, green olives, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth while gradually streaming in olive oil.

Step 3

Drain pasta and return to pot. Add pesto and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; stir continuously until pesto begins clinging to noodles. Add more pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.

Step 4

Garnish pasta with additional Parmesan cheese and basil, and serve with sauteed veggies or protein of choice, if desired.