Houseplant Herb Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and flavorful pasta dish using fresh herbs from City Floral's houseplant selection and Denver-grown cherry tomatoes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 27 minutes blends pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil 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 520 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.

★ 3.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes and set aside. In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup fresh basil, 1/4 cup fresh mint, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup pine nuts, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Process until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup grated parmesan to the pesto and blend until combined. If too thick, add 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water to reach a pourable consistency.
  4. Step 4: Toss drained pasta with 3/4 of the pesto until fully coated, adding more pasta water as needed to create a glossy sauce. Gently fold in cherry tomatoes and serve immediately with remaining pesto drizzled on top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Houseplant Herb Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Houseplant Herb Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Houseplant Herb Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Houseplant Herb Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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.

What goes well with Houseplant Herb Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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