Creating Nettle Pesto Pasta is a delightful venture. Follow these steps for a successful dish:

1. Bring Water to a Boil: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil.

2. Cook Pasta: Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.

3. Prepare Nettles: While the pasta cooks, carefully rinse the nettles in cool water and remove stems to avoid irritation.

4. Blanch Nettles: Add nettles to the boiling pasta water for about 2-3 minutes. This will eliminate their sting.

5. Drain and Save Water: Drain the pasta and nettles, reserving about 100ml of the cooking water.

6. Blend Pesto: In a food processor, combine the blanched nettles, minced garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until blended.

7. Add Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in olive oil while the processor is running until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.

8. Season: Add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the pesto. Adjust flavors to your preference.

9. Mix Pasta and Pesto: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and pesto, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.

10. Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta, drizzle with extra olive oil if desired, and sprinkle with additional cheese or nuts.