Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes, a dish that brings the essence of Italy to your table. This delightful recipe features al dente pasta tossed in a fresh basil pesto, complemented by sweet, caramelized cherry tomatoes. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and joy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and endlessly customizable!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve cherry tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes until caramelized.
- In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Blend while slowly adding olive oil until creamy yet textured.
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with pesto, gradually adding reserved pasta water for desired creaminess. Gently fold in roasted tomatoes.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 15mg