Easy Pesto Pasta
Tender pasta smothered in a rich, bold pesto sauce with Parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes. Make this quick and easy meal in about 20 minutes with only five ingredients.
Yield: 4
Calories: 362kcal
Materials
- 8 oz. uncooked pasta (such as rigatoni, ziti, penne, or fettuccine)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Optional: 4-5 fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
- Retain about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining pasta. Once the pasta has been drained, place pasta in a separate large bowl.
- Add about 1/4 cup of the pasta water and the pesto sauce to the pasta and toss. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, then taste.
- Add more salt and/or pepper if desired. Also, add more pasta water if you want a thinner consistency.
- Optional: Take 5 fresh basil leaves and roll them into a cigar. Thinly slice the cigar and sprinkle the basil over the top of the pasta. Enjoy!
Notes
For protein lovers, add in some cooked chicken or grilled shrimp.
Nutrition
Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 397mg | Potassium: 213mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 856IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 1mg