Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes – A Fresh, Flavorful Italian

Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes – The Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is a timeless Italian dish that beautifully celebrates simplicity, freshness, and bold flavors. It’s one of those recipes that transforms just a handful of ingredients into a truly memorable meal.

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The star of the dish is, of course, the vibrant green basil pesto — a fragrant blend of fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. When tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and juicy cherry tomatoes, it becomes a dish bursting with color, texture, and aroma.

Recipe Overview

• Dish Name: Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

• Cuisine: Italian / Mediterranean

• Course: Main Course / Light Meal

• Servings: 4

• Calories: ~450 per serving

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Resting Time: 0 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

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Ingredients

For the Pesto Sauce:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

• ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)

• 2 cloves garlic

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work best)

• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ cup extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

• Fresh basil leaves for topping (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Blender or food processor

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Colander for draining

• Large skillet or mixing bowl

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.

2. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite).

3. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water — this helps the pesto cling to the pasta later.

4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Basil Pesto

1. In a food processor, add basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

2. Pulse a few times until everything is finely chopped.

3. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil to form a smooth, creamy sauce.

4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. (Optional) Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness and to prevent discoloration.

Tip: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen the pesto.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes

1. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.

3. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices but still hold their shape.

4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. In a large bowl or the same skillet, add the cooked pasta and pesto sauce.

2. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated in the pesto.

3. Add the sautéed cherry tomatoes and toss again.

4. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Divide the pasta among serving plates.

2. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.

3. Serve warm or at room temperature for a refreshing summer meal.

Flavor Profile of Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

1. Fresh and Herbal:

   • The basil brings a vibrant, aromatic freshness that defines the dish.

2. Nutty and Creamy:

   • Pine nuts and Parmesan create a smooth, rich texture that coats the pasta beautifully.

3. Sweet and Juicy:

   • Cherry tomatoes add natural sweetness and a burst of tang that balances the richness of the pesto.

4. Garlicky and Savory:

   • Garlic enhances the flavor depth without overpowering the basil.

5. Light and Zesty:

   • Olive oil and a hint of lemon brighten the flavors, making it taste light yet satisfying.

Conclusion

The Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is the epitome of effortless Italian cooking — simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a touch of elegance in every bite. The combination of herby basil pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes creates a harmony that’s both refreshing and comforting.