Gather all your ingredients for the pesto pasta, including fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and your favorite pasta.

In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts. Pulse until finely chopped. Add grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Return drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add pesto and a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water. Toss gently until noodles are coated.

Serve immediately, garnished with cherry tomatoes and additional basil if desired.