Tomato Pesto Amato
Brighten up your pasta night with Tomato Pesto Amato, a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together sweet cherry tomatoes, aromatic fresh basil, and nutty Parmesan cheese in a creamy, homemade pesto. This 30-minute recipe combines the rich textures of pine nuts and garlic with silky spaghetti or linguine, tossed to perfection in the luscious tomato-based sauce. The key to its irresistibly smooth finish? A splash of reserved pasta water to tie it all together. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this dish is enhanced with a hint of optional crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick and garnished with fresh basil for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Simple, quick, and bursting with fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavors, Tomato Pesto Amato is a must-try for pasta lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.25 cup fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cups of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the tomato pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves.
Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until coarsely blended. Gradually stream in the olive oil while blending until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Season the pesto with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. If you enjoy a slight kick, add crushed red pepper flakes.
Transfer the cooked pasta into a large skillet or mixing bowl. Toss the pasta with the prepared tomato pesto, ensuring every strand is coated evenly.
If needed, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water at a time to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture.
Divide the pasta among serving bowls or plates. Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Tomato Pesto Amato!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2101 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 160.5 g | 206% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.6 g | 138% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 2712 mg | 118% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 128.8 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.6 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.0 g | ||
| Protein | 45.6 g | 91% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 614 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 8.4 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 1294 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
