Gather all your ingredients to set yourself up for success.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add in your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes.

In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped. Slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth and creamy.

Reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta. Return the hot pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl and add the pesto. Toss together gently, adding reserved pasta water if needed.

Transfer the pesto pasta onto plates or into bowls. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and pine nuts on top before serving.