Tomato-Pesto Swirl Pasta
A visually striking pasta dish with a vibrant swirl of basil pesto and sun-ripened tomatoes, finished with toasted pine nuts. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes blends penne pasta, olive oil, minced garlic 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 500 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 penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup, toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup basil pesto and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, then add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to combine and heat through for 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the drained penne to the skillet and toss until coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Pesto Swirl Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tomato-Pesto Swirl Pasta?
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 Tomato-Pesto Swirl Pasta?
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 Tomato-Pesto Swirl Pasta 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 Tomato-Pesto Swirl Pasta?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
