Pasta was one of the first things I learned how to cook, too. Though I think I started out with boxed macaroni and cheese and worked my way up! It really is amazing how if you have just a few key ingredients you can turn a simple red sauce into something totally divine. Your method sounds fantastic. I don't think I've made a red pesto, but now I totally want to. Mushroom and leek pasta is on tap for the week, but might have to stick with the green pesto this week since as usual I bought way too many of the delicious fresh greens from the market and need to use them up, haha!