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Fresh Herb Pesto Pasta Recipe with Juicy Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy fresh herb pesto pasta featuring a vibrant blend of basil, parsley, and mint, tossed with al dente pasta and juicy cherry tomatoes for a bright, flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed (washed and dried)
  • 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (optional)
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted (can substitute with walnuts or almonds)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 12 ounces pasta of choice (linguine or penne preferred)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Optional: fresh basil leaves or microgreens for garnish

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (9-11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  3. In a food processor, combine basil, parsley, mint leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few times to chop.
  4. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture emulsifies into a creamy sauce.
  5. Add lemon juice, then season with salt and black pepper. Pulse a few more times to mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning or oil if needed.
  6. Return drained pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Add the pesto and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time (start with 1/4 cup) to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
  7. Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, taking care not to crush them.
  8. Divide pasta onto plates or bowls. Garnish with extra fresh basil or microgreens if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If pesto looks thick or dry, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce. Handle cherry tomatoes gently to keep them plump and juicy. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Pine nuts can be swapped with walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for nut-free versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto pasta, fresh herb pesto, cherry tomatoes, easy pasta recipe, basil pesto, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/fresh-herb-pesto-pasta-recipe-with-juicy-cherry-tomatoes-easy-and-delicious/