Easy 20-Minute Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
If you’re in need of a quick and satisfying meal that delivers on flavor, look no further than this Easy 20-Minute Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes. This delightful dish combines al dente pasta with vibrant cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil pesto for a comforting yet fresh experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or light summer dinners, it’s customizable to fit your taste preferences—whether you want to add protein or toss in extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (penne, farfalle, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced, optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and begin to burst. If desired, add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sautéed tomatoes. Pour in the basil pesto and toss everything together until well coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg