Pesto Penne with Cherry Tomatoes recipe

This vibrant Pesto Penne with Cherry Tomatoes is a fresh, flavorful, and incredibly quick pasta dish, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a light, satisfying lunch.

Servings: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 12 minutes Total time: 22 minutes Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• For the Pasta:

  • 320 g (11.3 oz) penne pasta

  • 2 litres (8 cups) water, for boiling

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) salt, for pasta water

• For the Sauce & Garnish:

  • 180 g (6.3 oz / ~3/4 cup) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

  • 300 g (10.6 oz / ~2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 50 g (1.8 oz / ~1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Equipment

• Large pot (4-5 litre / 4-5 quart capacity)

• Colander

• Large mixing bowl or serving bowl

• Cutting board

• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. Boil the Water (5 minutes): Fill your large pot with 2 litres (8 cups) of water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.

2. Cook the Penne (10-12 minutes): Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite).

3. Prepare Tomatoes (3 minutes): While the pasta cooks, wash and halve the cherry tomatoes.

4. Combine & Toss (3 minutes): Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the starchy pasta water. Drain the cooked penne using a colander. Transfer the hot, drained pasta to your large mixing bowl. Add the basil pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

5. Serve (1 minute): Divide the pesto penne among serving plates. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Enhance the Pesto: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast any nuts (like pine nuts or walnuts) before making homemade pesto, or stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to store-bought pesto.

• Don't Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and provides a more satisfying texture, especially when tossed with a fresh sauce.

• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is your secret weapon! It helps emulsify the sauce, making it cling beautifully to the pasta and adding extra flavor.

• Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free pesto (ensure it doesn't contain Parmesan) and substitute nutritional yeast or a plant-based Parmesan alternative for the cheese garnish.

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, stir in cooked grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, canned cannellini beans, or roasted chickpeas at the end.

• Extra Veggies: Wilt in a handful of fresh spinach or arugula with the hot pasta, or add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for more vegetable goodness.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: ~580 kcal

• Protein: ~20 g

• Carbohydrates: ~65 g

• Fat: ~28 g

Shopping List

• Penne pasta

• Basil pesto

• Cherry tomatoes

• Parmesan cheese

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Salt

• Black pepper

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Quick summary: Pesto Penne with Cherry Tomatoes – Easy, 22 mins, Serves 4.