Mushroom Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

1. Pasta of your choice (e.g., linguine or fettuccine)
2. Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
3. Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
4. Mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced)
5. Salt (to taste)
6. Black pepper (to taste)
7. Pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
8. Parmesan cheese (grated, for serving)
9. Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta:
   • Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Mushrooms:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender and browned.
3. Season:
   • Season the mushrooms with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
4. Combine with Pesto:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with sautéed mushrooms. Mix in the pesto sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Heat Through:
   • Heat the pasta and mushrooms together until they are heated through, ensuring the flavors meld.
6. Serve:
   • Plate the Mushroom Pesto Pasta and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Garnish:
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness and color.
8. Enjoy:
   • Serve the Mushroom Pesto Pasta hot and enjoy the delicious combination of earthy mushrooms and the vibrant flavors of pesto.

Tips:

• Experiment with different types of mushrooms for varied textures and flavors.
• Customize the pesto sauce by adding ingredients like pine nuts or extra garlic.