This easy Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Parmesan, and Mozzarella is perfect for lunch, dinner or a mid-afternoon snack. It’s one of my go to recipes because it’s simple to make yet so delicious.
This recipe is a family favorite. I make a big batch of this about once a week and it makes for easy dinners/lunches for the whole week!
My recipe changes a little bit depending on what I have on hand (sometimes I’ll throw in half an avocado) but it’s such a win for an easy make-ahead meal. What I like to do is buy a big package of basil from Trader Joe’s and then go home and immediately make a batch of pesto to keep in the fridge for the week.
Just blend all the pesto ingredients together and you’re set! Feel free to add to pasta (like I did here) or put on top of sandwiches, salmon, whatever you like! My one tip is that you will have to eye how much olive oil you will need to get it to the right consistency. It should be thin enough to run slowly off a spoon.
Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Parmesan, and Mozzarella
This easy Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Parmesan, and Mozzarella is perfect for lunch, dinner or a mid-afternoon snack. It's one of my go to recipes because it's simple to make yet so delicious.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz pasta, such as Campanelle, Farfalle, Fusilli or Gemelli
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, balls or shredded
- Fresh Parmesan, to grate on top
Pesto Sauce
- 3 cups fresh basil, packed
- 1/4 cup macadamia nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup olive oil (add more if needed, a tbs at a time)
- 2 1/2 tbs fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and season with 1 tsp of salt. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- In a food processor or blender, blend all the pesto ingredients together until smooth. Add more olive oil, if needed, it should be thin enough to run slowly off a spoon.
- Add pesto to pasta and mix, then add the halved tomatoes and mix again. Top with mozzarella and fresh parmesan.
Notes
The mozzarella and parmesan can be added with the whole salad or individually, after it is served.
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