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Pesto spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and shaved parmesan

5-Ingredient Pesto Pasta

Pasta tossed with store-bought pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan. Just 5 ingredients and 15 minutes for a fresh, flavorful dinner.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound spaghetti or penne
  • ¾ cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Return the pasta to the pot. Add the pesto and ½ cup pasta water and toss until glossy, adding more water if needed.
  3. Fold in the cherry tomatoes and Parmesan.
  4. Season with salt and pepper and serve with extra Parmesan.

Notes

  • Warm the tomatoes in the empty pot for 1 minute before adding the pasta for a softer texture.
  • Add rotisserie chicken or white beans for protein.
  • Stir in a handful of spinach to wilt in the hot pasta.
  • Squeeze of lemon brightens the pesto.