Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto
Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto is a vibrant and delicious pasta dish that captures the essence of summer. With tender orecchiette, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil pesto, this dish is both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature for a delightful meal that showcases fresh ingredients and bright flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 lb. orecchiette pasta
- Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 lb. cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto, plus more to taste
- 1/2 lb. ciliegene mozzarella, small balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente (about 9 minutes). Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat and add halved cherry tomatoes; cook for about 30 seconds until softened.
- Add drained pasta and basil pesto to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or reserved pasta water as needed. Gently fold in mozzarella and fresh basil.
- Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with extra basil and cracked pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 20mg