Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto
Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto is a vibrant and delicious dish that embodies the essence of summer dining. This quick and easy recipe features tender orecchiette pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil pesto, creating a delightful burst of flavors in every bite. Perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings, this versatile meal can be served as a main course or side dish. Customizable to accommodate various tastes, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy this fresh pasta dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ lb. orecchiette pasta
- Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ lb. cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- ½ lb. ciliegene mozzarella
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water; season with kosher salt. Add orecchiette and cook until al dente (about 9 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of cooking water before draining.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over high heat; sauté halved cherry tomatoes for about 30 seconds until softened.
- Add drained pasta and basil pesto to the skillet; gently mix for about 1 minute until well coated.
- Fold in mozzarella balls and fresh basil; adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Serve warm in bowls, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 30mg