PASTA WITH SPINACH PESTO

PASTA WITH SPINACH PESTO 

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1 lb pasta (spaghetti, penne, fettuccine or linguini)Coarse salt and ground pepper1 10-oz pkg of frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, plus more for serving1 garlic clove1 teaspoon grated zest plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice ¼ cup olive oil
Optional, 4 oz soft goat cheese
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente (I usually cook it 1 minute less than the package directs).  Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.  Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
While the pasta is cooking, place the spinach, parmesan, 2 tablespoons pine nuts, garlic, lemon zest and juice in a food processor or blender.  Process until a paste forms.  With the motor running, add oil and ¼ cup cold water, and process until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add to the pasta and toss, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is thinned slightly and coats the pasta. 
If desired, stir in the goat cheese when you add the pesto to the pasta.
Serve, sprinkled with additional Parmesan and nuts.