Delicious & Affordable Family Meals: Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Transport your family to the essence of summer with our “Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes.” This light and flavorful dish captures the simplicity of fresh ingredients, combining vibrant cherry tomatoes with the aromatic allure of homemade pesto. Delight in the ease of crafting a meal that’s both effortless and full of garden-fresh goodness. Join us as we explore the art of creating this summer-inspired pasta that brings a burst of flavor to your family table.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite type)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Additional grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. Prepare Pesto: In a food processor, combine fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan, and peeled garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped. With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil in a steady stream until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if you desire a hint of heat.
  3. Combine Pasta and Pesto: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the freshly prepared pesto, ensuring each strand is coated with the flavorful sauce. If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
  4. Add Cherry Tomatoes: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, distributing them evenly throughout the pasta.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes with fresh basil or parsley. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan over the top.
  6. Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta immediately while it’s still warm, allowing the cherry tomatoes to impart their freshness to the dish.
  7. Savor the Summer Simplicity: Gather your family around the dinner table and savor the summer simplicity of this Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes. The aromatic basil pesto, the burst of cherry tomatoes, and the perfectly cooked pasta create a harmonious dish that embodies the essence of effortless and fresh family meals.

With “Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes,” you’ve not only crafted a delightful family meal but also embraced the flavors of summer in a bowl. This pasta dish is a celebration of simplicity, showcasing the beauty of combining garden-fresh ingredients with the ease of homemade pesto. Enjoy the freshness and savor every forkful with your loved ones. Here’s to the joy of effortless and flavorful family dinners!

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