Creeper Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan
Bright green basil pesto pasta tossed with halved cherry tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan, inspired by Minecraft’s iconic green Creeper. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 minutes, blends spaghetti, fresh basil leaves, pine nuts into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 large, peeled garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup plus extra for serving grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 pint, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, combine 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup pine nuts, and 2 large peeled garlic cloves in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Step 3: With the processor running, slowly pour in 1/2 cup olive oil until pesto is smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Toss the drained pasta with the pesto, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce. Fold in 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Serve topped with extra Parmesan cheese.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creeper Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Creeper Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creeper Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creeper Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Creeper Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
