If you're craving a quick and delicious meal that transports your taste buds straight to Italy, look no further than this One Pot Pesto Pasta! Ready in just 30 minutes, this vibrant dish combines the rich flavors of fresh pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta—all made in a single pot for easy cleanup. Whether you're a busy professional or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe is your ticket to a satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable meal!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place a large skillet or wide pot over medium-high heat and add the vegetable broth and pasta. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook the pasta for approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the pasta is al dente.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pasta during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the pesto, coating the pasta and tomatoes evenly.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like fusilli or penne, to maximize flavor in every bite.
- Customize Your Pesto: If you have homemade pesto, use it! Otherwise, store-bought pesto works just as well. Feel free to experiment with different pesto flavors, like sun-dried tomato or spinach.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks to ensure it reaches al dente perfection. Stirring frequently helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, add minced garlic or red pepper flakes when cooking the pasta. This adds depth to the dish without much extra effort.
- Garnish Generously: Don't skimp on the parmesan! A generous sprinkle on top not only enhances the dish’s flavor but also adds a beautiful finishing touch.
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of vegetable broth to revive the creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg
