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Roasted Garlic Pesto Spaghetti with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

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4.1 from 59 reviews

This Roasted Garlic Pesto Spaghetti with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes is a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring homemade pesto made with roasted garlic, fresh basil, pine nuts, and lemon juice. Roasted cherry tomatoes add a sweet and slightly charred burst that complements the creamy pesto perfectly. A perfect dinner option that combines roasting, blending, and stovetop cooking techniques.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Tomatoes

  • 18 oz dry spaghetti
  • 18 oz cherry tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil

Roasted Garlic Pesto

  • 2 heads garlic (roasted)
  • 1 clove garlic (raw)
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 1 bunch basil
  • 1 lemon (juiced)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) to prepare for roasting the garlic and cherry tomatoes.
  2. Roast Garlic: Slice off the top of the garlic heads to expose the cloves, brush with olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until golden and soft. Let cool, then squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves from their skins.
  3. Roast Cherry Tomatoes: Spread cherry tomatoes on a baking tray coated with olive oil, brush the tops with more oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes until tomatoes burst and are slightly charred, shaking the tray occasionally to ensure even roasting and prevent sticking.
  4. Make Pesto: While tomatoes are roasting, blend roasted garlic, raw garlic clove, pine nuts, basil, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth to create a fresh pesto sauce.
  5. Cook Spaghetti: When tomatoes are about 15 minutes from done, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
  6. Combine Pasta and Pesto: Return the drained spaghetti to the pot or a low-heat pan, stir in the homemade pesto gently over very low heat until evenly coated and warmed through. Be careful not to overheat.
  7. Plate and Serve: Divide the pesto spaghetti among bowls and top with the blistered cherry tomatoes. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Roasting garlic softens its sharpness and brings out sweetness, resulting in a more mellow pesto flavor.
  • When roasting tomatoes, keep an eye and shake the pan occasionally to avoid burning and to promote even cooking.
  • You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
  • Ensure not to overheat pesto on the stove as it can cause basil to lose its vibrant color and flavor.
  • This dish can be made vegan by ensuring the parmesan is omitted or substituted with a vegan alternative if desired (not listed in original ingredients).
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/roasted-garlic-pesto-spaghetti-with-blistered-cherry-tomatoes-recipe/