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Dinner · Italian

Cherry Tomato Pasta with Basil Pesto

Sweet blistered cherry tomatoes, a quick homemade basil pesto and a tangle of pasta. Twenty-five minutes, one pan, no compromises.

September 24, 2026 My Daily Cook
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
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Cherry Tomato Pasta with Basil Pesto Featured
Step by step

Method

5 steps · 25 min
0 of 5 done · tap a number as you finish each step
  1. Step 1 of 5

    Blitz the basil, pine nuts, garlic and Parmesan in a food processor. With the motor running, pour in the oil until you have a loose, bright green pesto. Season.

  2. Step 2 of 5

    Cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Scoop out a mugful of the cooking water before draining.

  3. Step 3 of 5

    Meanwhile heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the tomatoes cut-side down and leave them for 2 minutes until they blister, then toss for another minute.

  4. Step 4 of 5

    Add the drained pasta to the pan with the pesto and a splash of pasta water. Toss until every piece is glossy, adding more water if it looks dry.

  5. Step 5 of 5

    Serve with torn basil, more Parmesan and plenty of black pepper.

Notes from the kitchen

Swap pine nuts for walnuts or almonds. The pesto keeps for 4 days in the fridge under a thin layer of oil.

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