Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe
This Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes recipe is a delightful combination of flavors. The homemade pesto adds freshness, while the roasted tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness to each bite. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (rigatoni, or other)
Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 1/2 cup (about 60g) pine nuts (or walnuts/cashews)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 cup (about 45g) Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil
Roasted Tomatoes:
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 2 cups (about 250g) cherry tomatoes (halved)
- To taste salt
- To taste pepper
- 2 cloves garlic (optional)
- Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the cherry tomatoes, place on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Optionally, add garlic cloves. Roast for 20-25 minutes.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. Gradually add olive oil until smooth. Adjust seasoning.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Toss cooked pasta with pesto, adding reserved water as needed.
- Add Roasted Tomatoes: Gently fold tomatoes into the pasta.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve in bowls, garnish with basil, Parmesan, and pine nuts. Enjoy with salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- You can adjust the consistency of the pesto by adding more olive oil or pasta water.
- For a creamier pesto, blend in some soaked cashews or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to customize with additional toppings like grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: Pesto Pasta, Roasted Tomatoes, Italian Pasta Recipe, Homemade Pesto