Description
A delightful pasta dish featuring fresh cherry tomatoes and homemade pesto, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices.
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Pour the pesto over the pasta and toss to combine. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- If using, toast the pine nuts or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Sprinkle on top of the pasta before serving.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the pasta before serving.
- Substitute the cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor, or add spinach for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg