Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto
Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto is a delightful dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, making it the perfect addition to your summer dining. This quick and easy pasta recipe showcases juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil pesto, offering a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. Ideal for casual family dinners or cozy evenings at home, this dish not only pleases the palate but also impresses with its colorful presentation. With its versatility, you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes by adding extra vegetables or garnishing with toasted nuts for added texture. Discover how to make this simple yet flavorful pasta dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 lb. orecchiette pasta
- kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 lb. cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto, plus more to taste
- 1/2 lb. ciliegene mozzarella
- fresh basil
- fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the orecchiette pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 9 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of cooking liquid before draining.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 30 seconds until softened.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and basil pesto, mixing well to coat all ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
- Fold in mozzarella balls and fresh basil just before serving.
- Divide among bowls and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg