A quick pasta dish tossed with pesto and fresh cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
A quick pasta dish tossed with pesto and fresh cherry tomatoes is a simple yet flavorful meal that comes together in just a few minutes.
The vibrant pesto, made from fresh basil, garlic, and nuts, coats the pasta with a burst of herby goodness, while the juicy cherry tomatoes add a refreshing, slightly sweet contrast.
To begin, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, according to the package instructions.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts for a more budget-friendly option), Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
While the pasta cooks and the pesto is ready, halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside. Their sweetness and slight acidity will brighten up the dish, balancing the richness of the pesto.
Once the pasta is cooked al dente, reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Return the pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl.
Add the pesto to the pasta, tossing well to coat the noodles evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a spoonful at a time, to create a silky, smooth texture that clings to the pasta.
Finally, gently toss in the fresh cherry tomatoes, allowing their juice to mix with the pesto for extra flavor. You can finish the dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a few fresh basil leaves, or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.