Penne Pasta with Pesto Sauce

Ingredients 

• 200 grams penne pasta, boiled
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves 
• 20 cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons low fat cream
• Salt to taste
• Crushed black peppercorns to taste

Pesto sauce

• 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons pinenuts,toasted
• 6 garlic cloves 
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Method

1. For the pesto sauce take basil leaves, pinenuts, 4 garlic cloves, most of the Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil in a grinder jar and grind. Add another 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and grind to a semi coarse paste.
2. To make the pasta dish, heat 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick pan. Slice the garlic cloves.
3. Add garlic to the hot oil and sauté till golden. Add cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes, pressing the tomatoes a little with the back of the ladle. Add the pasta and toss for 2 minutes. Add ¼ cup water and mix.
4. Add the pesto sauce and mix well. Add cream, salt and crushed peppercorns and toss. Cook for a minute.
5. Serve hot garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese.