Sicilian Pasta Pesto Salad

INGREDIENTS:
2 lbs. ziti, penne, or other pasta, cooked
Pesto Sauce:
2 cups fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/2 cup walnut or pine nuts (optional)
4-6 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 cup olive oil
1 1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese
3-4 anchovies, blended (optional)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
dash of black pepper
salt to taste

METHOD:
Place the olive oil into a small saucepan add the garlic, red pepper, grated imported Parmesan cheese and herbs and spices. Crush the anchovies into the oil until blended. Bring to a simmer for 1 minute and immediately remove from heat.
Pour this mixture over cooked hot pasta, stir well, and serve with bruschetta.
Can also be served at room temperature.

Source: allpastarecipes.com