Delicious Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe

There’s something magical about a plate of Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes that can brighten even the dullest of days. Picture this: rich, vibrant green pesto clinging to al dente pasta, accented by juicy roasted tomatoes bursting with sweetness. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, coaxing you like a loyal friend, whispering promises of an unforgettable flavor experience. You can almost hear the pasta singing in delight as it dances with the golden olive oil and fragrant basil.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; their eyes lit up as they took their first bites. It became our go-to recipe for cozy family dinners, weekend gatherings, or simply when we needed a little comfort food. Trust me, whether you are feeding a crowd or just yourself, this delightful dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

The delightful reactions from friends and family after tasting this dish always bring back fond memories.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Choose your favorite type; angel hair or penne works beautifully for capturing that luscious pesto.

• Fresh Basil: Use bright green leaves with no brown spots for the best flavor and aroma.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness; don’t skimp on quality here!

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh cloves provide a robust flavor; avoid pre-minced varieties if possible.

• Pine Nuts: Toast them lightly before blending for an extra nutty punch in your pesto.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh cheese melts beautifully into the pasta; it adds creaminess without being too heavy.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Use ripe tomatoes for roasting; they’ll become sweet and caramelized during cooking.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all flavors in the dish!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop. Rinse the basil leaves gently under cold water and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel.

Roast Those Tomatoes!: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut cherry tomatoes in half, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes until they’re blistered and juicy.

Blend Your Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth but slightly chunky—just like life!

Cook Your Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember not to overcook; nobody likes mushy pasta!

Toss It All Together!: Drain the pasta but reserve some cooking water. Return pasta to the pot along with your glorious pesto and roasted tomatoes. Toss until everything is well combined; add reserved water as needed for creaminess.

Serve & Enjoy!: Plate your beautiful creation while it’s still warm. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if you like! Prepare yourself for compliments because this dish is going to impress everyone at the table!

Now that you’ve created this culinary masterpiece of Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes, sit back and enjoy every single bite! You’ve earned it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by roasting the tomatoes to bring out their sweetness, then cook the pasta al dente while preparing the pesto for best flavor integration.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for protein, or swap out basil for arugula in your pesto for a peppery twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover pesto pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid overcooking the pasta.

Sometimes, I whip up this dish when friends come over, and their compliments fuel my culinary passion each time, reminding me why I love cooking!

FAQ

What kind of pasta works best for pesto?

Any short pasta like fusilli or penne holds pesto well and enhances each bite.

Can I make pesto ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare pesto up to two days in advance; store it covered in the fridge.

How do I know when the tomatoes are done roasting?

Roast tomatoes until they are soft and slightly caramelized, usually around 20-25 minutes at 400°F.

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Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes

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• Author: Carmen Rodriguez
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines al dente pasta with a creamy basil pesto and sweet, caramelized cherry tomatoes. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful balance of rich and fresh flavors. With its appealing colors and comforting taste, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz pasta (penne or angel hair)
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the cherry tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 20 minutes until blistered.
2. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth yet slightly chunky.
3. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain while reserving some cooking water.
4. Return pasta to the pot; add pesto and roasted tomatoes. Toss well, using reserved water for creaminess as needed.
5. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 330mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 10mg