Description
This vibrant Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes recipe is a delightful, fresh, and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Featuring al dente pasta tossed in aromatic basil pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes sautéed to perfection, this recipe blends the bright flavors of summer with a creamy Parmesan finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Sauté the cherry tomatoes: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, and season with salt and black pepper. Cook the tomatoes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- Toss pasta with pesto and tomatoes: Reduce the heat to low. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Stir in 1 cup of fresh basil pesto and the grated Parmesan cheese. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and garnish: Divide the pesto pasta among serving plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can use store-bought pesto or make your own fresh pesto for more vibrant flavor.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten the dish further.
