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Pesto Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

Pesto Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 9 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Pesto Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe featuring sweet roasted cherry tomatoes blended into a smooth pesto sauce, tossed with al dente spaghetti, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously fresh Italian-inspired dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 tablespoons basil pesto
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 lb spaghetti pasta
  • 3 medium cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)

Finishing Touches

  • 1/2 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh basil
  • Additional grated Parmesan and fresh basil for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a medium sheet pan with parchment paper. Toss the halved cherry tomatoes with 4 tablespoons of basil pesto until evenly coated. Season generously with kosher salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
  2. Roast Tomatoes: Roast the coated tomatoes at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until they become soft and juicy. Once done, allow them to cool slightly to handle safely.
  3. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta, then set the pasta aside momentarily.
  4. Make the Sauce: Scrape the roasted cherry tomatoes into a blender and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of basil pesto, minced garlic, granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the blended sauce into a large skillet over medium heat. Add the hot cooked pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced fresh basil. Toss and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce clings well to the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with up to 1/2 cup more reserved pasta water as needed.
  6. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil for a perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your flavorful meal!

Notes

  • You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
  • If fresh basil pesto is unavailable, store-bought pesto works well but adjust seasoning accordingly.
  • Adding a splash of lemon juice to the sauce can enhance brightness if desired.
  • For a vegan version, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto pasta, roasted cherry tomato pasta, Italian pasta recipe, basil pesto, easy pasta dinner, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/pesto-roasted-cherry-tomato-pasta-recipe/