Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

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Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Yield: 6

Author: Jennifer Cartier

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 25 Min

If you're looking for a fresh, vibrant pasta that's full of flavour, Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is the way to go! The creamy, herby pesto sauce pairs perfectly with the juicy sweetness of cherry tomatoes. It's light, quick to make, and absolutely delicious! Let’s dive in and make this perfect summer pasta dish.

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Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite kind)
• 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil (if needed for extra creaminess)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-9 minutes).
2. Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Set it aside.

Prepare the Pesto Sauce

1. If you're using store-bought pesto, make sure it’s ready to go. If you're making homemade pesto, blend together fresh basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
2. If your pesto is a bit thick, add a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and make it creamier.

Sauté the Cherry Tomatoes

1. In a separate pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to soften and release their juices. This makes them extra sweet and juicy!

Combine Pasta, Pesto, and Tomatoes

1. In a large mixing bowl or the pan with the sautéed tomatoes, combine the cooked pasta and pesto. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that delicious pesto sauce.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes and give it one last gentle toss. If the pasta seems a little dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to help coat the noodles.

Serve & Garnish

1. Serve the pesto pasta hot, garnished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, a few pine nuts, and some fresh basil leaves for a fresh pop of flavour. 🍃

Notes

Tips:

• Add-ins: You can mix in some grilled chicken, mozzarella balls, or olives for added flavour and texture!
• For extra creaminess: A tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream added to the pesto can make the sauce extra creamy.
• Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pine nuts, you can substitute them with walnuts or cashews for a different flavour.

This Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is so easy to make, and it’s perfect for weeknights, picnics, or any time you want a delicious, fresh pasta dish. The pesto gives it a rich, herbal flavour, while the cherry tomatoes bring in that juicy sweetness—so yum! Enjoy! 

Nutrition Facts

Calories

470

Fat

25 g

Sat. Fat

4 g

Carbs

50 g

Fiber

3 g

Net carbs

46 g

Sugar

5 g

Protein

12 g

Sodium

465 mg

Cholesterol

6 mg

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