Pasta with pesto and tomatoes is a delicious and quick dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. This Italian-inspired recipe combines the freshness of tomatoes with the rich flavors of basil pesto and pasta.
Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat lover, this dish can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this mouthwatering pasta with pesto and tomatoes!.
Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients we need for this recipe:.
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli works well)
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup of homemade or store-bought basil pesto
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Now that we have everything ready, follow these steps to prepare the pasta with pesto and tomatoes:.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, which means it should still have a slight firmness to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften and release their juices. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta, Pesto, and Tomatoes
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sautéed tomatoes. Stir in the basil pesto and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto and the tomatoes are distributed throughout.
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Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the pasta with pesto and tomatoes to serving plates. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each serving and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!.
Variations
This recipe is quite versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Here are a few variations you can try:.
1. Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to make it a heartier meal.
2. Veggie Delight: Include sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
3. Creamy Twist: Stir in a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese or heavy cream to make the dish richer and creamier.
4. Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pine nuts on top for a crunchy texture.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta to make it suitable for gluten intolerant individuals.
