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Pesto Pasta with Roasted Balsamic Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

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3.9 from 55 reviews

This pesto pasta with roasted balsamic cherry tomatoes is a sophisticated and flavor-packed dish featuring grain-free cavatappi pasta tossed in a creamy homemade pesto sauce and topped with sweet, bursting cherry tomatoes roasted in balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, this elegant meal is perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pesto Pasta

  • 8 oz cavatappi pasta or pasta shape of choice
  • 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze for topping
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, toss the cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to evenly coat them for roasting.
  2. Roast Tomatoes: Roast the cherry tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they start to burst and release their juices, which enhances their natural sweetness and intensifies the balsamic flavor.
  3. Cook Pasta: While the tomatoes roast, cook the cavatappi pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a small amount of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  4. Toss Pasta with Pesto: In a large bowl, combine the hot cooked pasta with the pesto. Add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a creamy consistency that coats the pasta evenly.
  5. Assemble the Dish: Top the pesto-coated pasta with the roasted balsamic cherry tomatoes, allowing their juices to blend with the pasta.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Drizzle the dish with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch before serving.

Notes

  • Use grain-free pasta if you prefer a gluten-free version.
  • Adjust the amount of pesto based on your taste preference to make it lighter or more intense.
  • If you don’t have balsamic glaze, reduce balsamic vinegar over low heat until thickened.
  • Reserve pasta water carefully to help emulsify the pesto sauce without making it watery.
  • Fresh basil can be substituted with parsley or stored pesto can be swapped with store-bought for convenience.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/pesto-pasta-with-roasted-balsamic-cherry-tomatoes-recipe/