If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that bursts with flavor, look no further than this pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes! It’s a simple yet delicious dish that comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend lunch. The vibrant freshness of the cherry tomatoes paired with the aromatic basil in the pesto creates a delightful harmony that dances on your taste buds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 200g pasta (your choice: spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work great!)
- 100g pesto (homemade or store-bought, I won’t judge!)
- 200g cherry tomatoes (look for the ripest ones for the best flavor)
- 30g grated parmesan (freshly grated is always a winner)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for that lovely richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on this—seasoning is key!)
How to Prepare Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in your 200g of pasta. I usually go for spaghetti or penne, but honestly, any shape you love will work! Cook according to the package instructions—typically around 8-10 minutes for al dente perfection. Keep an eye on it, though; you don’t want it too soft! A good tip is to taste a piece a minute or two before the time’s up to ensure it’s just right.
Sautéing the Cherry Tomatoes
While your pasta is bubbling away, let’s turn our attention to those lovely cherry tomatoes! Grab 200g of them and slice them in half. This step not only looks pretty but helps them release their sweet juices when cooked. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add in your halved tomatoes and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften up and get a bit of color, but don’t let them turn into mush—keep that lovely texture!
Combining Ingredients
Now, it’s time for the magic to happen! Once your pasta is cooked, drain it (but save a splash of that pasta water—trust me, it’s liquid gold!). Add the pasta straight into the pan with those sautéed cherry tomatoes. Then, it’s time to mix in 100g of pesto. Stir everything together until the pasta is beautifully coated in that vibrant green goodness. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking—this is where you can really make it sing! Serve it up hot, and sprinkle some grated parmesan on top for that final touch of deliciousness.
Tips for Success
To make your pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, if you love a creamier texture, feel free to add a splash of pasta water when mixing everything together. It helps the pesto cling beautifully! Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of pesto to suit your taste—some days I like it extra saucy! For a pop of color and flavor, consider tossing in a handful of fresh basil leaves right before serving. And remember, plating matters! A sprinkle of parmesan on top makes it look as good as it tastes. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your delicious pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, it’s nice to have a rough idea of what you’re fueling your body with! Here’s the estimated nutritional information for one serving of this tasty dish:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keep in mind that these values are an estimate, based on common brands of ingredients. Depending on your specific choices, the numbers may vary slightly, but that just means you can enjoy this dish guilt-free! Happy eating!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love spaghetti or penne for this pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, any pasta shape you enjoy will work just fine. Think farfalle, fusilli, or even whole wheat for a healthier twist!
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can! Just swap out the parmesan for a vegan alternative or sprinkle on some nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or pasta water to keep it from drying out.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make fantastic additions if you want to boost the protein in your pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes.
What if I don’t have pesto on hand?
No problem! You can quickly whip up a homemade version using basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan. Or try a store-bought version if you’re short on time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Fresh and vibrant flavors that burst in every bite.
- Vegetarian-friendly and perfect for meatless meals.
- Versatile—perfect as a main dish or a side for gatherings.
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins or toppings.
- Great for meal prep—tastes just as good reheated!
- A delightful way to showcase seasonal cherry tomatoes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), you can store your pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure it cools down before sealing it up to keep that freshness intact. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a little pasta water to keep it from drying out. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick fix, but I recommend stirring it halfway through to heat evenly. Enjoy every last bite!
Final Thoughts
I hope you love making this pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes as much as I do! It’s such a delightful dish that brings together simple ingredients for a burst of flavor. I’d love to hear about your experiences—did you add any special twists or ingredients? Please share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it. Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps others discover this delicious meal. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with joy and great flavors!
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Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes: 5 Bold Flavor Hacks
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious pesto pasta dish featuring fresh cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 100g pesto
- 200g cherry tomatoes
- 30g grated parmesan
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add cherry tomatoes and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with cherry tomatoes.
- Mix in the pesto and stir until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with grated parmesan on top.
Notes
- Use fresh pasta for a quicker cook time.
- Adjust pesto quantity based on your taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes
