Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece with this irresistible Pesto Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes! Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, coated with vibrant green pesto, and studded with juicy, burst cherry tomatoes that explode with flavor in every bite. This quick and easy Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal—it's a 25-minute flavor adventure that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of your preferred pasta, 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of pesto, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and grated Parmesan cheese for serving.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the blistered tomatoes. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the 2 cups of cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the tomatoes for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are blistered and slightly softened. You want them to burst and release their juices.
- When the pasta is done, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the blistered tomatoes. Pour in the 1/2 cup of pesto and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and taste the pasta. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- To serve, divide the pesto pasta with blistered tomatoes among four plates. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While this recipe works with any pasta, short shapes like penne or fusilli hold the pesto sauce best.
- Tomato Blistering Technique: Use a hot skillet and don't overcrowd the pan. This ensures your tomatoes get a beautiful char without becoming mushy.
- Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Fresh is Best: If possible, use fresh homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto for the most authentic flavor.
- Cheese Matters: Freshly grated Parmesan will elevate this dish from good to extraordinary. Avoid pre-grated cheese for the best taste and texture. Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding some fresh basil leaves or toasted pine nuts as a final garnish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg
