Print

Fresh Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe with Juicy Cherry Tomatoes

fresh basil pesto pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy fresh basil pesto pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed (washed and dried)
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts (toasted lightly for extra nuttiness)
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (fusilli or penne recommended)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing tomatoes)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
  3. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
  4. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil until smooth and creamy. Add Parmesan cheese and pulse a few more times. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add halved cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened but still holding shape.
  6. Transfer cooked pasta to the skillet with tomatoes or a large bowl. Add pesto and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if pesto is too thick.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. Pulse pesto ingredients rather than blending continuously to preserve texture and color. Warm cherry tomatoes gently to keep them juicy but intact. Use reserved pasta water to adjust pesto consistency. Keep extra Parmesan on the table for serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: basil pesto pasta, cherry tomatoes, easy dinner, fresh pesto, quick pasta recipe, homemade pesto, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/fresh-basil-pesto-pasta-recipe-with-juicy-cherry-tomatoes-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/