Tomato Basil Pasta Nests

• by Rachel Ray
• Ingredients:
• salt
• 1 lb angel hair pasta (I used spinach linguini, it was good!)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• black pepper
• 20 fresh basil leaves, shredded
• 3 tablespoons pesto sauce, prepared and refrigerated
• 1 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese (optional, or serve on side) or 1 cupromano cheese, grated (optional, or serve on side)

Directions:

1. 1
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt the water and cook the pasta al dente, with a bite to it.
2. 2
   While the water is heating, begin the sauce by heating a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, garlic, and onions. Saute for 8 to 10 minutes; reduce the heat a bit if the onions begin to brown. You want them to become sweet and soft, but not to caramelize.
3. 3
   Stir in the tomatoes and heat through. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Wilt in the basil and turn off the heat. Stir in pesto sauce.
4. 4
   Drain the pasta and add to the sauce. Toss in the pan to distribute. Sprinkle in the cheese, tossing to combine (or leave out and serve at table). Grab a meat fork. Stick the fork into the pasta and bring up a heaping forkful. Turn and twist the pasta, using your palm to guide the pasta a bit, to form a nest. Serve! Makes 8 nests, 4 inches wide and 5-6 inches long.

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/tomato-basil-pasta-nests-206522#ixzz1te1uFw6e