Lemon Pine Nut Pasta

Step 1: Pine Nuts ... In a large pot (that you will use to boil the pasta), add the pine nuts and toast on medium heat for a couple of minutes until you can smell them, but also when they start to lightly brown. They go quickly, so keep an eye on them. Remove from the pot to a small bowl until later.

Step 2: Pasta ... Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water. Once the pasta is done, remove 1 cup of the pasta water and reserve it for the sauce. Drain the rest of the pasta and set to the side in a serving bowl.

Step 3: Sauce ... In the same pot once again, add the olive oil and garlic and cook on medium heat just for a minute until the garlic starts to brown. Not too high of heat, you don't want the garlic to burn. Add the pasta back in, along with the lemon juice, lemon zest, pine nuts, cheese, parsley, salt and pepper and mix well to combine. Add a little of the pasta water to create a lighter creamier sauce. Add as much as you want.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve ... Extra parmesan, lemon slices or parsley for a garnish. Serve and ENJOY! And, as I mentioned, grilling a couple of chicken breasts, thin sliced and top the pasta would make a great main dish.