Introduction
Few dishes capture the essence of freshness and simplicity like Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Pine Nuts. This Italian-inspired recipe highlights the beauty of seasonal ingredients: fragrant basil pesto, sweet juicy cherry tomatoes, and nutty toasted pine nuts tossed together with al dente pasta. It’s vibrant, colorful, and bursting with flavor, yet requires minimal effort.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant lunch, this pasta dish delivers a restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served warm, at room temperature, or even as a pasta salad.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s fresh, light, and full of flavor without being heavy. The silky pesto coats each strand of pasta, the cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness, and the toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch.
Another reason I love it is its versatility—it can be made vegetarian, vegan (with dairy-free pesto), or even customized with grilled chicken, shrimp, or mozzarella. Plus, it’s the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or picnic because it tastes just as good cold as it does warm.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Fresh & Flavorful: Uses vibrant, seasonal ingredients.
- Healthy yet satisfying: A balance of carbs, protein (if added), and good fats.
- Versatile: Works as a main dish, side, or light lunch.
- Crowd-pleaser: Simple enough for weeknights but elegant for entertaining.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings & Nutrition
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course / Light Lunch
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne work best)
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
For the Sauce
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Simple Cooking Directions
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Sauté cherry tomatoes until softened.
- Toss pasta with pesto, tomatoes, and pine nuts.
- Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente (follow package instructions).
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften and release juices.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Combine Pasta & Pesto
- Return pasta to the pot or large mixing bowl.
- Add pesto, sautéed tomatoes, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until well coated.
Step 4: Add Pine Nuts & Finish
- Stir in toasted pine nuts.
- Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan before serving.
How to Serve
- Serve warm for a comforting meal or chilled as a refreshing pasta salad.
- Pair with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
- Complements grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp beautifully.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Always toast pine nuts lightly in a dry skillet for maximum flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the pesto sauce.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
- Reserve pasta water—it helps the pesto cling to the pasta.
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan pesto and omit Parmesan.
- Cheese Lovers: Stir in mozzarella balls or crumbled feta.
- Extra Veggies: Add roasted zucchini, asparagus, or spinach.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Pesto pasta is not ideal for freezing as fresh basil loses flavor, but you can freeze pesto separately for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in skillet with a splash of olive oil or enjoy cold as a pasta salad.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Skillet (for sautéing tomatoes & toasting pine nuts)
- Mixing bowl or tongs (for tossing pasta)
Conclusion
Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Pine Nuts is a dish that proves how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. With its bright basil pesto, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts, this recipe delivers freshness and comfort in every bite. Whether served warm or cold, as a main or side, it’s a versatile, delicious, and wholesome meal that everyone should try at least once.
Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Description
Few dishes capture the essence of freshness and simplicity like Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Pine Nuts. This Italian-inspired recipe highlights the beauty of seasonal ingredients: fragrant basil pesto, sweet juicy cherry tomatoes, and nutty toasted pine nuts tossed together with al dente pasta.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
For the Sauce
Instructions
-
Step 1: Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.Add pasta and cook until al dente (follow package instructions).Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
-
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes : Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.Add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften and release juices.Season lightly with salt and pepper.
-
Step 3: Combine Pasta & Pesto : Return pasta to the pot or large mixing bowl.Add pesto, sautéed tomatoes, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until well coated.
-
Step 4: Add Pine Nuts & Finish : Stir in toasted pine nuts.Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan before serving.
