Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes! It’s like a burst of sunshine on your plate! The fragrant, velvety richness of the pesto pairs so beautifully with the sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes—it’s a match made in culinary heaven! I remember the first time I whipped this up for a summer gathering; everyone couldn’t get enough! It’s so fresh and vibrant, and it comes together in no time. Seriously, this dish has become my go-to for easy weeknight dinners or impressing friends. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked too!
Ingredients for Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this delightful dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g pasta: I usually go for spaghetti or fusilli, but feel free to use your favorite type! Just make sure it’s a pasta that holds onto the sauce well.
- 100g basil pesto: You can use store-bought or, if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade! Either way, this is where all that rich, herbal flavor comes from.
- 250g cherry tomatoes: Halved, these little gems add a burst of sweetness! Look for ripe, juicy ones for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil really enhances the dish, adding a smooth richness.
- Salt to taste: Don’t skimp on this! It brings out all the flavors beautifully.
- Pepper to taste: A little fresh cracked pepper adds a nice kick!
- Parmesan cheese for serving: Grated or shaved, it’s the perfect finishing touch that adds a lovely savory note.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re well on your way to a delicious meal! Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring every bite of this vibrant dish!
Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Seriously, don’t skip the salt—it makes a world of difference! Once it’s boiling, add your 200g of pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 8-12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta. I like to taste a piece a minute or two before the time is up; you want it al dente—firm but not crunchy. When it’s just right, drain the pasta in a colander, but don’t rinse it! That starchy coating helps the sauce stick later.
Mixing the Ingredients
Return the drained pasta to the pot while it’s still warm. This is where the magic happens! Add in 100g of basil pesto and the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Now, take a moment to get your hands in there (or use a spoon if you prefer) and mix everything together until the pasta is well coated with the pesto. Then, gently fold in those sweet 250g of halved cherry tomatoes. I love to make sure every piece of pasta gets a little of that tomato goodness—it’s all about even distribution for maximum flavor!
Seasoning the Dish
Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Start with a little, and then adjust based on your preference. I like my dish with a good dash of freshly cracked pepper for that extra zing! To serve, plate it up and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a lovely nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the freshness of the pesto and the sweetness of the tomatoes. Trust me, you’ll want to dig in right away, but let it sit for just a moment to let those flavors meld together. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: It comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The vibrant flavors of basil pesto combined with sweet cherry tomatoes create a dish that sings of summer!
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite pasta, add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or toss in some veggies for extra nutrition.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and requires minimal cooking skills.
- Great for Leftovers: It’s delicious warm or cold, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or packed lunches.
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to help you nail this pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes! With just a few tweaks, you can elevate this dish to new heights!
- Pasta Types: While I love spaghetti and fusilli, you can experiment with different pasta shapes! Penne or farfalle work wonderfully too, especially since they catch the sauce so well.
- Pesto Variations: Don’t feel tied to traditional basil pesto! Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a unique twist, or even a spinach and walnut pesto for a nutty flavor. The possibilities are endless!
- Adding Protein: If you want to bulk it up, grilled chicken or shrimp are fantastic additions. Just toss them in when you mix the ingredients for a hearty meal. You could even add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies for more flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Vegan: If you’re looking for a vegan option, skip the Parmesan cheese and try nutritional yeast instead! It adds that cheesy flavor without any dairy.
- Fresh Herbs: For an extra punch of freshness, toss in some chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving. It makes the dish pop visually and adds an aromatic touch!
- Adjusting Seasoning: Always taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or even add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
With these tips, you’ll find your pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes turning out perfectly every time. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of this delightful pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, you’re in for a treat! Storing it properly will keep those vibrant flavors intact for your next meal.
To store, let the pasta cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This step helps prevent any sogginess! You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to avoid any moisture getting in.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a couple of ways to reheat it. You can pop it in the microwave for a quick fix—just add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to keep it moist, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s warmed through.
If you have a bit more time, I love reheating it on the stove. Just throw it in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil or a little more pesto to bring it back to life. Stir it gently until it’s heated through, and you’ll get that fresh taste again! Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top, and you’re good to go!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this delicious pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, it’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for one serving of this delightful dish:
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to check the labels if you’re counting anything in particular. Enjoy every delicious bite, knowing you’re fueling your body with something wholesome and satisfying!
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto saves time and still tastes delicious. However, if you have the chance to make your own, it adds a lovely personal touch and freshness that’s hard to beat!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and mix in the pesto and cherry tomatoes ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or heat it up as mentioned in the storage section.
What other vegetables can I add to this pesto pasta?
Feel free to get creative! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach would be wonderful additions. Just sauté them lightly before mixing them into the pasta for a burst of color and nutrition.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make your pesto pasta gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta! There are so many great options available now that taste fantastic, so you won’t miss out on any of that delicious flavor!
Can I serve this dish warm or cold?
You can definitely enjoy this pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes both ways! It’s a fantastic dish to serve warm right after cooking or as a refreshing cold pasta salad. Perfect for any occasion!
Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes: 5 Steps to Bliss
- Temps Total: 20 minutes
- Rendement: 2 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes is a fresh and flavorful dish that combines the richness of pesto with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes.
Ingrédients
- 200g pasta
- 100g basil pesto
- 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Add the pesto and olive oil to the pasta.
- Mix in the cherry tomatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer.
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
- This dish can be served warm or cold.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Boiling and mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 18g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 12g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 60g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 12g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 10mg
Mots-clés: pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes
