Ramp Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant pasta dish featuring wild ramp pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, embodying the first harvest of spring greens. This italian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes blends ounces pasta, packed fresh basil, 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 ounces pasta
- 1 bunch (about 1 cup finely chopped) fresh ramps
- 1 cup packed fresh basil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves minced garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 12 ounces pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat, add 1 bunch fresh ramps (finely chopped) and 2 cloves minced garlic, and cook for 4-5 minutes until ramps are soft and garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Transfer ramp mixture to a food processor, add 1 cup packed fresh basil, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/2 cup olive oil; process until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
- Step 4: Toss drained pasta with ramp pesto, 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water until coated; serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil sprigs.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ramp Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Ramp 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 Ramp 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 Ramp 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 Ramp Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
Italian vegetarian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
