Tomato and Kalamata Olive Pesto Pasta

Ingredients

- 12 oz pasta (your choice of shape)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
- 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta
- In a large pot on the stove, bring approximately 4 quarts of water to a boil.
- Add a generous pinch of salt and the 12 oz of pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about PT10M (10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Pesto Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup pesto, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 tbsp red wine vinegar.
- Mix until emulsified and set aside.

3. Vegetable Preparation
- In a large skillet, add the 1/4 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes, cooking over medium heat for PT3M (3 minutes) until softened.
- Add the 2 cups fresh spinach, cooking until wilted, approximately another PT2M (2 minutes).

4. Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sautéed spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup sliced Kalamata olives, 1 cup cubed mozzarella, and 2 tbsp rinsed capers.
- Drizzle the pesto dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.

5. Season and Garnish
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, and 2 tbsp of lemon juice over the top.
- Toss once more and serve warm.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time: PT15M
15 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT15M
15 minutes

Total Time

- Total Time: PT30M
30 minutes

Type of Dish

- Lunch

Keywords

- Tomato pasta
- Kalamata olives
- Pesto pasta
- Spinach pasta
- Gourmet lunch
- Stove-cooked meal
- Mediterranean flavors
- Mozzarella cheese
- Easy lunch recipe
- Vegetarian pasta

Recipe Yield

- Feeds 4 adults

Calories

- Total Calories: 1,800

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