Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes & Peas
This Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes & Peas is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. The creamy, herbaceous pesto coats the pasta beautifully, while sweet cherry tomatoes and tender peas add a burst of flavor and color. It’s a satisfying meal on its own or can be served with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup frozen or fresh peas
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Pesto:
2 cups fresh basil leaves
¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts/almonds)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Garnish:
Extra Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves
Toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the peas to the boiling water.
4. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and peas.
2. Make the Pesto:
1. In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
2. While blending, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth.
3. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Saute the Tomatoes:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still juicy.
4. Assemble the Pasta:
1. Add the drained pasta and peas to the skillet with tomatoes.
2. Pour in the pesto and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency.
3. Remove from heat and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving – Approx. 4 Servings)
Calories: ~450
Protein: ~14g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
Fat: ~22g
Fiber: ~5g
Sugar: ~5g
Notes & Variations:
Protein Additions: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Nut-Free Option: Swap pine nuts for sunflower seeds or omit them.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes