Fusilli With Breadcrumb Pesto

 

Ingredients

 

·       Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

·       4 garlic cloves

·       1 cup olive oil, plus more as needed

·       ½ cup breadcrumbs

·       2 tablespoons ice water, plus more as needed

·       3 cups mixed soft herbs, such as basil, parsley and mint

·       1½ cups finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more if desired

·       1 pound fusilli

 

Directions

 

1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, pulse garlic and, with motor running, drizzle in oil until combined. Add breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon ice water and herbs, and purée to a paste. (If pesto looks too thick, drizzle in more water.) Add cheese and pulse to form a thick, bright-green sauce. Season pesto with salt and pepper.

 

2. Add pasta to boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until just shy of al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water.

 

3. Place ¾ cup reserved cooking water in a large sauté pan over high heat. Once boiling, remove pan from heat and whisk in ¾ of pesto until emulsified. Add drained pasta to pan and toss until noodles are coated in a creamy sauce. Add more pesto or splashes of water as needed. (Save any leftover pesto for another use.) Top with more cheese, if you like.