Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This vibrant pasta dish combines the fresh, herbaceous goodness of pesto with the sweet tang of juicy tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that are both satisfying and healthy. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your homemade cooking journey, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of best recipes.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. You can easily adjust the quantities to suit your needs.
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade – see variations below!)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
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Add Tomatoes and Pesto: Add the halved tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and release their juices. Stir in the pesto and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato-pesto sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
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Serve and Enjoy: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pasta:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta has a firm bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy.
- Salt the pasta water generously: This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Adjust the salt, pepper, and pesto to your liking.
Variations:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage would be delicious additions to this dish.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Include other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Make your own pesto: Homemade pesto is easy to make and tastes so much better than store-bought! Simply blend basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 60-70g
This easy pasta recipe with pesto and tomato is a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual lunch. The combination of fresh flavors and simple preparation makes it a go-to choice for those seeking healthy meals and delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!