If you are looking for a simple, delicious pasta to eat at anytime or even pack in your/your kids lunch box, look no further. This Simple Tomato Pesto Pasta is perfect for that. It store well for days and can even be served as a cold. So no need to worry about microwaving it when you are on the go.
I love packing this recipe for my kids for lunch. Usually they love when I prepare it with elbow pasta or the Mini Farfalle pasta but I didn’t have any on hand when I decided to make some. I can’t remember where I grabbed the Mini Farfalle pasta but it was the Barilla brand. It could have been from Walmart. But you can check you local stores and see if they carry them.
HOW TO MAKE THE SIMPLE TOMATO PESTO PASTA
Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Also wash and dry the tomatoes I used the multi colored grape tomatoes. In a frying pan, heat 3 tbsps. of olive oil and sauté the chopped garlic for 20-30 seconds. Add in the tomatoes and give them a toss then cover and let them cook on medium heat until the tomatoes are super tender.
Remove lid and mash the tomatoes to obtain a paste texture. You can leave a few pieces that are not mash all the way through if you prefer. My kids usually wont eat them unless they are mash all the way. Even though they eat raw tomatoes like candy but if it’s whole and cooked, they will move it aside. It’s all about your preference. I left a few just for garnishing purposes.
Add in the black pepper, chili flakes (optional), pasta water, salt and pesto sauce. I always use fresh pesto that’s sold in store. Most of the time I get mine from Costco. It’s the best out there. It freezes well and lasts for a while. Sauté the ingredients together on simmer for 2 minutes and then add in the cooked pasta and cook together for 3-4 minutes on low heat so the pasta absorbs all the sauce.
Remove and serve. You can add some fresh basil or freshy grated parmesan cheese to finish off the Simple Tomato Pesto Pasta dish. This dish stores well for couple of days and can make a great lunch box meal. The pasta used can easily be swapped with another kind based on your family’s preferences. I hope you enjoy it! Please share this recipe with family and friends and don’t forget to show me you delicious recreations by tagging me on my INSTAGRAM. XoXo…
OTHER PASTA RECIPES YOU MAY LIKE:
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Spaghetti
Simple Tomato Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz. penne pasta
- 3 cups colored grape tomatoes
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. chopped garlic
- 1 tsp salt or more to taste
- 1 tbsp. black pepper
- 2 tbsp. pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup water from pasta
- 2 tsps. pepper flakes optional
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Wash and dry the tomatoes I used the multi colored grape tomatoes. In a frying pan, heat 3 tbsps. of olive oil and sauté the chopped garlic for 20-30 seconds. Add in the tomatoes and give them a toss then cover and let them cook on medium heat until the tomatoes are super tender.
- Remove lid and mash the tomatoes to obtain a paste texture. You can leave a few pieces that are not mash all the way through if you prefer.
- Add in the black pepper, chili flakes (optional), pasta water, salt and pesto sauce. Sauté the ingredients together on simmer for 2 minutes and then add in the cooked pasta and cook together for 3-4 minutes on low heat so the pasta absorbs all the sauce.
- Remove and serve. You can add some fresh basil or freshy grated parmesan cheese to finish off the toppings.
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