1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Sardo or Pecorino Romano cheese (about 2 ounces)
5 Tablespoons toasted pine nuts, chopped
S & P
2 tablespoons whipping cream
1 pound linguine
1/2 pound boiling potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
Additional freshly grated Pecorino Sardo or Pecorino Romano
Finely chop garlic in processor. With machine running, gradually add oil in thin steady stream. Add basil by handfuls and blend until smooth. Add 1/2 cup cheese and 4 tablespoons pine nuts and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.(Can be prepared 1 week ahead. Transfer to jar. Pour enough olive oil over pesto to cover. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature and mix in excess oil before continuing.) Mix cream into pesto. Fold in remaining 1 tablespoon pine nuts.
Cook linguine with potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Transfer pasta and potatoes to large bowl. Mix reserved cooking liquid into pesto. Add to pasta and toss well. Serve, passing additional grated cheese separately.