Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Name: Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 3 tbsp, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; 1 cup, packed fresh basil; 2 cloves garlic; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 1/4 cup olive oil; 10 oz, halved cherry tomatoes; 1/4 cup, pitted kalamata olives

A vibrant pasta dish featuring a homemade pesto made with sun-dried tomatoes, tossed with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Category: Pasta

Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 12 minutes.

Serves 4.

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
3 tbsp, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup, packed fresh basil
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup olive oil
10 oz, halved cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup, pitted kalamata olives

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (add 1 tsp salt). Cook 12 oz penne pasta for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
Step 2: In a food processor, blend 3 tbsp oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup pine nuts, and 1 cup packed basil until smooth, adding 1/4 cup olive oil gradually to form a paste.
Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 10 oz halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, cooking for 5 minutes until tomatoes burst and release juices.
Step 4: Toss drained pasta with sun-dried tomato pesto and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until glossy. Stir in tomato-olive mixture and serve immediately.