Irresistible Pesto Pasta w Tomatoes Mozzarella Recipe

There’s just something magical about pasta dishes, isn’t there? I can still recall my first encounter with pesto pasta – it was a sun-drenched summer afternoon, and the air was filled with the intoxicating scents of basil and garlic from my grandmother’s kitchen. We sat around the table, laughter ringing out as we twirled spaghetti on our forks, the vibrant green of the basil pesto contrasting beautifully with the rich tones of ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. Every bite was a delicious harmony, and from that moment, pesto pasta became a beloved staple in my life.

Fast forward to today, and I find myself making a version that’s just as delightful, yet unbelievably simple! This Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Mozzarella is a warm hug on a plate! It’s a dish that radiates summer vibes, perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing friends at a dinner party. So grab your apron, and let’s bring a little slice of that joyous kitchen experience into your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to whip up in under 30 minutes – hello, weeknight dinner!
• Bright, fresh flavors bursting with summer vibes.
• Cheesy goodness with mozzarella that melts in your mouth.
• A crowd pleaser that works for family meals or little gatherings.
• Flexible ingredients allow for pantry improvisation.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a beautiful, flavorful dish:

• 12 oz. pasta (your choice – linguine, penne, or spaghetti)
• 1 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz. mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved or cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive right into this easy recipe!

1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Once done, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic: While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much – we want that lovely, sweet flavor!
3. Add Tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they soften a bit, releasing their delicious juices. The smell at this point is simply divine!
4. Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, followed by the basil pesto. Stir everything gently, letting the sauce coat the pasta evenly. If it seems a bit dry, this is when you’ll add some of that reserved pasta water to your liking.
5. Add Mozzarella: Gently fold in the mozzarella balls, allowing them to warm and soften slightly in the heat of the pasta. The gooey mozzarella combined with the vibrant pesto is a match made in heaven!
6. Season and Serve: Taste your beautiful dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a perfect touch of spice if you’re feeling adventurous. Divide the pasta amongst plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Voilà – dinner is ready!

Pro Tips & Variations

As with all my recipes, I love to get a little creative, so here are some fun twists you might enjoy:

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein – both options pair beautifully with pesto!
• Veggie Medley: Toss in some sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for a colorful veggie punch.
• Nutty Crunch: Pine nuts or walnuts can add a delightful crunch. Toast them lightly for even more flavor!
• Cheese Swap: If you’re not feeling mozzarella, try feta cheese or some shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano for a tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is all about cozy, comforting vibes. I love serving it alongside a crispy, buttery garlic bread – the perfect vehicle for scooping up any leftover sauce! A light side salad dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, brightening up the meal. And let’s not forget about a chilled glass of white wine or homemade lemonade to bring that summer feel right back!

Storage Tips

Have leftovers? No problem! This pesto pasta keeps well in the fridge for about 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil and a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce and keep everything creamy. For longer storage, you can freeze it for about a month – just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

FAQs

Can I make my own pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto is delightful and easy to whip up. Just blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until you have a smooth sauce. You can also throw in some spinach or arugula for an extra twist!

What type of pasta is best for this dish?

You can use any pasta you love! Linguine, penne, or even farfalle (bow-tie pasta) works beautifully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different shapes might need slightly different cooking durations.

Can I omit the cheese for a dairy-free version?

You can definitely skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast can give you that cheesy flavor without the dairy, and you can still enjoy the creamy texture from the pesto!

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This pesto pasta is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad or reheated as a warm meal later. Just make sure to store the pesto and pasta separate if you’re planning to keep it for more than a day to maintain freshness.

What can I serve with pesto pasta?

Besides garlic bread, this dish pairs wonderfully with a refreshing salad, roasted vegetables, or even some grilled shrimp. You could also serve it with a light tomato soup for a nostalgic and comforting meal.

Conclusion

I hope this Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Mozzarella recipe brings a smile to your face and warmth to your home just like it does for me. It’s a dish that brings memories flooding back and creates new ones with every bite. I absolutely love hearing from fellow food lovers, so please comment below with your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even just a little food love! Happy cooking, my friend!

Irresistible Pesto Pasta w Tomatoes Mozzarella Recipe

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Delight in this easy pesto pasta recipe featuring fresh tomatoes creamy mozzarella Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 oz. of pasta (your choice – linguine, penne, or spaghetti)

1 cup of fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1 ½ cups of cherry tomatoes, halved

8 oz. of mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved or cubed

2 cloves of garlic, minced

¼ cup of olive oil

1 tsp of red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it's fragrant.

Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they soften a bit.

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, followed by the basil pesto. Stir everything gently, letting the sauce coat the pasta evenly. If it seems a bit dry, add some of that reserved pasta water.

Gently fold in the mozzarella balls, allowing them to warm and soften slightly.

Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.

Notes

A delightful and simple pesto pasta recipe featuring fresh tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, perfect for any occasion.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 18 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 14 grams

Keywords: Pesto Pasta, Pasta Recipe, Summer Recipes, Italian Cuisine