Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish when I want something quick yet bursting with flavor: pesto pasta with roasted tomatoes. Seriously, it’s like a hug in a bowl! The simplicity of this dish is what makes it so special. You toss some cherry tomatoes in the oven, and while they get all caramelized and sweet, you whip up some pasta and pesto. The combination is just divine! I remember the first time I made this for a cozy dinner with friends; the aroma filled the kitchen, and we couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is so easy to whip up—perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients for Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delightful pesto pasta with roasted tomatoes. Trust me, you’ll love how everything comes together!
- 2 cups cooked pasta (any type you love—spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work great!)
- 1 cup store-bought or homemade pesto (I usually go for fresh basil pesto for that vibrant flavor!)
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes (these sweet gems are perfect for roasting!)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (because good quality oil makes a difference!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—seasoning is key!)
How to Prepare Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this pesto pasta with roasted tomatoes. It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen pro by the time you’re done!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your tomatoes roast evenly, caramelizing beautifully and bringing out their natural sweetness. So go ahead, set that temperature and let it heat up while you prep the rest!
Roast the Tomatoes
Next, grab your halved cherry tomatoes and toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re well coated—this is where the flavor starts! Spread the seasoned tomatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Pop them in the oven and let them roast for about 20 minutes. You want them to burst and get all juicy and slightly charred. Trust me, the smell will have you dreaming of summer!
Cook the Pasta
While the tomatoes are roasting, it’s time to cook your pasta! Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, but aim for al dente—just a bit firm in the center. This way, it’ll hold up beautifully when mixed with the pesto. Ideally, time it so that your pasta is done just as the tomatoes come out of the oven.
Combine Ingredients
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it (but don’t rinse, we want that starchy goodness!). In a large bowl, mix the warm pasta with your pesto until it’s all nicely coated. Then, gently fold in those glorious roasted tomatoes. Mixing thoroughly is key here—every bite should be bursting with flavor! Serve it warm, and get ready to indulge in this delightful dish!
Nutritional Information
Before you dig into this delicious pesto pasta with roasted tomatoes, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients or brands you use, but here’s a rough estimate for one serving:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
This dish is not only satisfying but also packs a good punch of nutrients, making it a wonderful vegetarian option for any meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavorful roasted tomatoes paired with vibrant pesto create a delicious harmony.
- Vegetarian-friendly and packed with nutrients!
- Customizable with your favorite pasta and herbs.
- Beautifully satisfying, making it a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your pesto pasta with roasted tomatoes turns out absolutely perfect! First, when cooking your pasta, aim for al dente—this means it should still have a little bite to it. It’ll absorb the pesto flavor better this way! Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of pesto based on your personal taste. I love a generous amount, but feel free to start with less and add more if you’d like. And here’s a little secret: adding some fresh basil or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese right before serving elevates the dish beautifully! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations of Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes
There are so many fun ways to put your spin on this pesto pasta with roasted tomatoes! Feel free to swap out the pasta for whole grain or gluten-free options if that’s your jam. You can also toss in some sautéed veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch. And for a twist, mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flair. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your pesto pasta with roasted tomatoes experience, consider pairing it with a side of garlic bread for that perfect crunch and flavor contrast. A fresh, crisp salad with a zesty vinaigrette also complements the dish beautifully, adding a refreshing touch. If you’re in the mood for something sweet afterward, a light dessert like sorbet or a fruit salad would round out the meal perfectly. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of this delicious pesto pasta with roasted tomatoes (which is rare in my house!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that lovely flavor intact. Just transfer the pasta to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it gently in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of olive oil or a little water to keep it from drying out. Stir it around until it’s warmed through, and voilà—you’ve got a quick and tasty meal ready to go!
Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and flavorful dish combining pesto pasta and roasted tomatoes.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 cup pesto
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread tomatoes on a baking sheet.
- Roast tomatoes for 20 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain pasta and combine with pesto.
- Add roasted tomatoes and mix well.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use any pasta of your choice.
- Adjust pesto quantity according to taste.
- Fresh basil can be added for extra flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Roasting and boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 250mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 15g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 10g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: pesto pasta with roasted tomatoes
