Flat pasta with Sicilian-style pesto of tomatoes, almonds, and basil. This vegetarian mediterranean dish is a fresh alternative to Genovese pesto, ideal for a clean eats family meal.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bavette pasta until just al dente according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
While pasta cooks, in a food processor, pulse together cherry tomatoes, blanched almonds, fresh basil leaves, and garlic until coarsely combined but not pureed—a bit of texture is ideal.
Add extra virgin olive oil gradually while pulsing, adjusting the texture so the pesto is fluid enough to coat pasta but still chunky.
Scrape the mixture into a bowl, stir in grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, sea salt, and black pepper, and taste for seasoning; adjust if needed.
Toss the hot drained pasta with the pesto in a large bowl, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and ensure an even, glossy coating—serve immediately for the freshest flavor.