1-First, grab a large pot and fill it with water, adding 2 teaspoons of salt for that perfect pasta base. As the water boils, cook 300 to 350 grams of your chosen pasta according to the package, which usually takes 8 to 12 minutes. Just before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy water to use later it’s a simple trick that makes the sauce cling better.

2-Next, drain the pasta in a colander and let it sit for a minute to cool slightly. Then, transfer it to a bowl to avoid any heat that might dull the pesto’s color. Add 1 batch of pesto sauce and start with about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, tossing everything together until it’s evenly coated. Keep adding more water as needed for that smooth, saucy finish, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3-Finally, serve it right away with fresh Parmesan cheese on top for an extra zing. For dietary tweaks, like using gluten-free pasta, this step makes it easy to adjust on the fly. Cooking time follows the pasta package, but the whole process is quick and rewarding, especially with tips like tossing in a bowl to keep the basil vibrant.