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Quick 15-Minute Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick, easy, and satisfying pesto pasta recipe featuring fresh cherry tomatoes and basil, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
  • 1 pint (about 250 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (about 25 g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  3. Add 1 pint (250 g) of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes until they soften and start to release their juices. You want them tender but not mushy.
  4. Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  5. Return the pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes over low heat. Stir in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pesto and about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the reserved pasta water. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. The sauce should be silky, not dry or clumpy.
  6. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Squeeze in about 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and toss again. Remove from heat.
  7. Plate the pasta and sprinkle 1/4 cup (25 g) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle with a little olive oil before serving.

Notes

If pesto is too thick, add more pasta water to loosen. Cook tomatoes a bit longer if they release too much liquid. Avoid overheating pesto to preserve fresh basil flavor. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet and vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free or vegan versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto pasta, quick pasta recipe, cherry tomatoes, easy dinner, 15-minute meal, basil pesto, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/quick-15-minute-pesto-pasta-with-cherry-tomatoes-easy-recipe-guide/