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+ servings

Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring homemade basil pesto and fresh cherry tomatoes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta (spaghetti or penne) uncooked
Pesto
  • 2 cups Fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/2 cup Pine nuts toasted
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Olive oil extra virgin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Vegetables
  • 2 cups Cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Spinach fresh

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
Make the Pesto
  1. In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
Combine and Serve
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, add the cooked pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  2. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to customize the pesto by adding other herbs like parsley or arugula.

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