Description
Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This quick and easy recipe features al dente pasta tossed in a rich basil pesto made with fresh ingredients, complemented by sweet roasted cherry tomatoes. Not only does it deliver an explosion of taste in every bite, but its beautiful presentation makes it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a delicious meal that satisfies both hunger and culinary cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) rigatoni or preferred pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 1/2 cup (60g) pine nuts (or walnuts/cashews)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 cup (45g) Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil
- 2 cups (250g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a baking sheet, drizzle olive oil over halved cherry tomatoes; season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese; pulse until finely chopped. Gradually add olive oil while blending until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, roasted tomatoes, and pesto sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 15mg