Penne with Pesto Sauce

Name: Penne with Pesto Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 400 g Penne pasta; 180 g Green pesto sauce; 250 g Cherry tomatoes; 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated; 15 ml Olive oil; 5 g Salt; 1 g Black pepper, freshly ground; 15 g Pine nuts, toasted (optional); 3 g Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Difficulty

easy

Time

25m

Price Category

average

Calories

High

This classic Penne with Pesto Sauce recipe is the perfect choice for a quick and delicious dinner. The harmonious flavors of fresh basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese will transport you to Italy in moments. It's an easy-to-make yet incredibly satisfying and mouth-watering dish that is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Ideal for a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend lunch.

ingredients

4 Servings

400 g Penne pasta180 g Green pesto sauce250 g Cherry tomatoes50 g Parmesan cheese, grated15 ml Olive oil5 g Salt1 g Black pepper, freshly ground15 g Pine nuts, toasted (optional)3 g Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Steps

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 100 ml (1/2 cup) of the pasta cooking water.

Prepare Tomatoes

While the pasta cooks, wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the tomatoes. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened and beginning to caramelize. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Ingredients

Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the pesto sauce, sautéed cherry tomatoes, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water until you achieve your desired creamy consistency.

Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can enhance the flavor.

Extra Tips

► Reserve some pasta cooking water; if the sauce is too thick, add a splash for a creamier consistency.

► Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes until golden brown to enhance their flavor.

► Experiment with other vegetables like spinach or zucchini to make the dish even richer.

Nutrition

	Per 100g	Per Serving 250g
Calories	380kcal	950kcal
Protein	13g	32.5g
Fat	25g	62.5g
Carbohydrate	30g	75g
Fiber	3g	7.5g
Sugar	2g	5g