Irresistible Penne with Basil Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Penne Pasta
- 1/4 cup Pine Nuts
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Sweet Basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil, plus 1 tablespoon for cooking
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Fresh Black Pepper
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Mixed Vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach), chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and return the pasta to the pot, drizzling with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Make the Basil Pesto
- While the pasta is cooking, toast the pine nuts in a small pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, sweet basil leaves, sea salt, and fresh black pepper.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the 1/2 cup olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and pulse a few more times until well incorporated.
3. Combine the Ingredients
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the cherry tomatoes and mixed vegetables.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the tomatoes begin to blister.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
- Pour the freshly made pesto over the pasta and vegetables, tossing gently until everything is evenly coated.
4. Serve
- Divide the pasta into serving bowls, ensuring even distribution of vegetables and pesto.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Preparation & Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: PT10M
10 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT20M
20 minutes
Total Time
PT30M
30 minutes
Type of Dish
Dinner
Keywords
Pasta Recipe, Basil Pesto, Cherry Tomato, Easy Dinner, Vegetarian Meal, Italian Flavors, Quick Dinner, Fresh Ingredients, Penne Pasta, Gourmet Dish
Recipe Yield
Feeds 4 adults
Calories
Total Calories: 1600
#PastaDinner #BasilPesto #VegetarianRecipes #ItalianCuisine #GourmetDinner
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