Green Beans and Pasta with Pistachio Pesto

This was my first attempt of making pesto, and I have to say, it was easy and tasty! I based it off of a recipe on Food Republic. Here is what I did.

Green Beans and Pasta with Pistachio Pesto

6 oz fresh green beans, trimmed and rinsed (a couple more ounces would also work)
8 oz pasta (I used Farfalle)
1/2 t sea salt, divided
3 T pistachios
3 T grated Parmesan
Leaves from a small bunch if fresh basil
4 T olive oil
1 clove garlic

Cook pasta as directed by package. Fill a medium saucepan with water and put on high heat on the stove. Meanwhile, grate half of the garlic clove into a blender or food processor. Add the salt to the water. When water boils, add green beans. Add the pistachios, Parmesan, basil, and olive oil to the blender. Blend. Add 1-2 T of green bean water to the blender and blend again. After about four or five minutes of cook time on green beans, drain. Mix the green beans, pasta, and pesto together. Top with more Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.