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Pesto Pasta

This pesto pasta recipe is a quick and delicious meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. It features al dente pasta tossed with fresh pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 340 g pasta
  • 1 cup pesto
  • 220 g cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated

For Garnish

  • fresh basil chopped

Optional Add-ins

  • grilled chicken sliced
  • shrimp cooked

Seasoning

  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions
 

Cooking Pasta

  • Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water.
  • Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Combine Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Toss everything together until well combined.

Adjust Consistency (if needed)

  • If the pasta seems too dry, add a little reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serve

  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. You can also toast some pine nuts and sprinkle them on top for added crunch and nuttiness.