Classic Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients:

For the Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) dried pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pesto:

• Wash the basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
• In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts or walnuts, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Pulse the ingredients until finely chopped.
• With the food processor running, gradually pour in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Scrape down the sides of the processor if needed.
• Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
• Add the dried pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes).
• While the pasta is cooking, prepare a bowl of ice water. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and immediately transfer it to the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its texture.
• Drain the pasta again and set it aside.

3. Combine Pasta with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes:

• In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they start to soften and release their juices.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cherry tomatoes.
• Spoon the prepared pesto over the pasta and cherry tomatoes, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto.
• Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

4. Serve:

• Once heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
• Serve the pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
• Enjoy your delicious classic pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes!

This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Adjust the quantities accordingly based on your serving size.