EASY TOMATO PESTO PASTA
Looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor? Try our Easy Tomato Pesto Pasta! This dish combines the rich, tangy taste of ripe tomatoes with the aromatic, herbaceous notes of fresh basil pesto. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a hearty and satisfying pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner with friends. Simply cook your favorite pasta, toss it with the zesty tomato pesto sauce, and voilà – a delightful and nutritious meal ready to enjoy. It’s a sure crowd-pleaser that even novice cooks can master with ease!
THE SAUCE
The tomato pesto sauce is a vibrant blend that brings together the best of Italian flavors. It starts with juicy, ripe tomatoes that are cooked down to a luscious consistency, enhancing their natural sweetness. This is then combined with a generous dollop of fresh basil pesto, made from fragrant basil leaves, rich pine nuts, zesty garlic, tangy Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. The result is a harmonious sauce that is both zesty and savory, with a hint of nuttiness and a refreshing herbaceous finish. This sauce coats the pasta perfectly, infusing every bite with a burst of deliciousness that’s both comforting and invigorating.
COOKING THE PASTA
My favorite pasta for this recipe is Fusilli, but you can use any type you like. Penne, farfalle, or rigatoni. All work wonderfully.
Start by cooking the pasta to a perfect al dente texture, following the package instructions, and be sure to add a pinch of salt to the boiling water. As the pasta cooks, reserve about half a cup of the cooking water. Once the pasta is done, drain it well.
This method allows you to multitask efficiently, letting you prepare the sauce while the pasta cooks so that everything is ready at the same time.
INGREDIENTS YOU NEED:
- Pasta
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Cherry tomatoes
- Pesto sauce
- Pasta water
- Salt and pepper
- Heavy Cream
- Parmesan cheese
If you’ve given this recipe a try and it won you over, please share your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! If you have any questions about this recipe, don’t hesitate to ask – I’m here to help and will respond promptly.
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EASY TOMATO PESTO PASTA
Ingredients
- 250 g pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup pasta water
- 2 tbsp pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water; this enhances the flavor of the pasta. Carefully drop the pasta into the boiling water. Pasta will naturally sink to the bottom of the pot but will rise to the surface as they cook. When they float to the top, it's usually an indicator that they're ready. This process typically takes around 6-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or strainer to scoop the cooked pasta out of the water.
- In a saucepan, add in the olive oil, chopped garlic and let it simmer till fragrant,
- Add in the cherry tomatoes and let it cook till softened. Remove the skin and let it sit.
- Add in the pasta water and let it simmer till a bit thickened.
- Add in the cooked pasta, some parmesan cheese and mix. Add some more pasta water. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add in the pesto sauce, heavy cream and mix well.
- Top with another layer of parmesan cheese and serve while warm!