Place a large pan of salted water over a high heat and bring to a boil.
Once boiling add the pasta and cook according to the packet instructions.
400 g penne
In a food processor add the pesto ingredients except for the olive oil. Turn on the processor and slowly add the olive oil until you achieve the consistency you like.
2 cloves garlic, 2 cups basil, ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, 75 g pine nuts, salt, 1/2 large lemon
Remove the lid and taste the pesto. Season if necessary and blitz again if needed.
When the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Drain the pasta keeping a cup of the starchy water.
Return the pasta to the same pan and pour the pesto over stir to thoroughly mix.
Add the chopped sundried tomatoes and chopped olives and taste once more. Adjust with salt ad pepper and serve in warmed dishes immediately.
½ cup olives, ½ cup sun dried tomatoes, ground black pepper
Add a sprinkle of crushed pine nuts and a few basil leaves as garnish.