Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner? Look no further than this Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes! 🍝🍅 The combination of fresh basil pesto and sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes makes this dish a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something light and summery. Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal is not only simple to make but bursting with vibrant flavors that everyone will love. Pair it with a crisp salad and some garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired feast! 🇮🇹✨

Refreshing Spanish Gazpacho 🍅

Recipe by Mr Sam AI ChefCourse: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking/ Cooling Time

15

minutes

calories per serving

400

kcal

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) 🍝

• 1 cup fresh basil pesto 🌿

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish 🌿

Directions

• Cook the Pasta:
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
• Prepare the Tomatoes:
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
• Toss with Pesto:
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cherry tomatoes. Stir in the fresh basil pesto and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
• Serve:
• Transfer the pasta to serving plates and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy! 🍝✨

Notes

• You can use store-bought pesto for convenience, or make your own using fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil.
• For extra flavor, toss in some toasted pine nuts or sun-dried tomatoes.
• This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

This Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With the fresh flavors of basil pesto and the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, this dish is light, vibrant, and full of flavor. Try it out and enjoy a taste of Italy at home! 🍝🍅🇮🇹